A trailer company operator in East Greenbush, New York state, is facing charges for allegedly stealing and selling vehicles towed from the company’s impound lot in Albany, raking in illicit profits of $230,000 over two years. The New York State Attorney General Letitia James recently filed charges against 43-year-old John F. Rivers for grand larceny and fraud, among other offenses.
According to the Attorney General’s office, Rivers, who owns “Rivers Asset Recovery,” had contracts with local businesses to monitor parking lots and tow vehicles. However, instead of following the proper procedures, Rivers illegally sold the towed vehicles to scrapyards or used car dealerships. Between October 2022 and August 2024, he stole a total of 17 vehicles valued at $230,000.
On December 6th of this year, Rivers was brought up on charges by the prosecution. They stated that towing companies are required to notify vehicle owners within 5 days of impoundment and must keep the vehicles for 30 days before releasing them to the owners. Nevertheless, Rivers sometimes sold the impounded vehicles within days of towing without informing the owners.
The parking lots monitored by Rivers’ towing company included retail giants like Walmart, Hannaford, and Home Depot. Prosecutors revealed that out of the 17 stolen vehicles, 12 were sold to used car dealerships and 5 to scrapyards. When owners tried to reclaim their vehicles from Rivers, he either ignored their requests or demanded exorbitant fees for the release – reportedly charging $1,000 per day.
Furthermore, prosecutors highlighted another audacious act by Rivers: In March 2024, investigators from the New York State Police placed an undercover vehicle in the Walmart parking lot. Later that day, Rivers towed the vehicle away. Two months later, the undercover car was found dismantled in a Massachusetts junkyard without any notification sent to the registered owner.
As a result of these allegations, Rivers is facing charges of third-degree grand larceny, fourth-degree grand larceny, and fraud. If convicted, he could potentially be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison.