Mid-Atlantic racer busted in raid

[clemmr211]

I know most states have laws regarding stolen properties that says if the policy can locate the previous owner you must return the property, even if you bought it fair and square from a business. You won't be in legal trouble if they can't prove that you knew the motor was stolen, but they will take it, unless the #'s on the engine is not recognizable, which probably isn't if he is smart at all  ::) So if you can prove to the police that your motor wasn't stolen, or they can't trace the owner, then you might be able to keep it.

Ya, you'd think, but the number was clear as can be and when I called it in, the dective called back in 30 minutes to tell me it was stolen...

[clemmr211]

Clemmr, If it were me, I'd drop it out (to make sure they don't sieze the whole bike) but I don't think I'd give it to anybody. The cops want your story, the ins co the engine now belongs to wants money. Eventually, in a property room it will end up in a dumpster or maybe at a auction. You didn't do anything wrong don't be too quick to give it up. Tell the cops, if they want it, it's right here, but I sure wouldn't deliver it. They don't need the motor to make their case, just the info. Then ask them who to contact to buy it again. The ins co. will probably give you a deal so they don't have to screw with picking it up. Who knows $20 might get the real paper for it. Everyone involved knows it'll be junk after the trial.

Ya, I know cops like to suggest things for you to do to get you to give up some or your rights and freedoms, it's not necessarily a bad thing, it's just part of their training to dig up information..  And as I look back on my initial conversation with the detective, I was a little scared and was willing to do whatever to be cleared of this...  because or where I work, I've heard how an investigation like this can really tear you up (meaning the one Mike will have brought upon anyone in his computer), especially when it's federal, and was told to just get yourself cleared as fast as possible...  But I will probably give the detective one last call this afternoon, before I turn a wrench, and see what exactly my responsibilities are...

[sdiver68]

clemmr,

Don't call the Po Po, call an attorney!  the Po Po don't care about your rights, at least not as their primary responsibility.

And heck, like was suggested, you may be able to work out a deal with the Ins company to keep the motor.  Or if it wasn't insured, the prior owner who probably has little use for it now other than selling it.

[Baltobuell]

He's going to tell you you're responsible for everthing and he's saving you. I wouldn't give him a hard time or anything, but he'd have to come and get it. The other night on TV the show that has real trials on it, Crime and Punishment. a guy called the cops to confess to a murder. On the tape he asked to be picked up and the cop asked him if he could get a ride in. I had to laugh out loud. They aren't going to do anything they don't have to. If he really needs it he'll come and get it. (but I'd have it out of the bike and maybe on the front porch) Good luck, you've already been ripped off, don't let the system continue your screwin.

[clutch]

Ryan (Clemmr), this is terrible man.  First of all you may be ok since it was with mastercard. They may refund the money. You did the right thing by turning it in. It is better now than later if you were trying to hide it then they could probably get you on poss of stolen property.  You may be able to speak with them.  I highly doubt you will be charged since you came to them.  As for the numbers on the engine, they can be raised and the original numbers can be read..they do it all the time. Scratching them off is just a cosmetic cover up.  If the numbers on the block dont match say the numbers on the head and the head numbers are not stolen then maybe you will only have to turn over the block?  They may also just want to photograph it for evidence. Try to bring your receipts to them.  I will check at work about the stolen property deal since you bought it from a legit business you may be able to keep it. One of the higher ups in my PD is also an attorney.  I hate these chop shoppers. We just busted one not long ago for cars, and the sad thing is, they are back in business again I believe, under a different name. Good thing with this is, police can just show up and randomly check VIN #'s ect at shops..no need for any PC.  I will look into it for you and let you know.  I would like to punch that son of a bitch in the mouth. If AMA does not revoke his license, which they should, then he ought to be boycotted and shunned at the track. I wonder how many other racers and street riders out there are gonna be screwed. If you have it, you better turn it in. I know when I stop bikes I always check the numbers and have found some stolen ones.  If this goes Federal then he is screwed. The Feds dont mess around and he will proabably get time in a fed prison in Boise, Idaho.  I would also look into a civil suit if for say you cant keep the engine. I am sure the guy owns a house, truck, trailer ect..hit him where it hurts in the wallet..let all the victims take all his shit the legal way.  I met him once and thought somthin was shady about this cat..I guess after 6 year as LEO just had that 6th sense...now I know why.  As for the mastercard..forgot. I know a TPR that works my area. Well, he bought a high dollar pellet stove for his new house.  When he went to pick it up, the business had packed up and left town after taking all these peoples moneys. CC company refunded the money and they went after him.  These CC Companies are powerful and have high dollar attorneys at their disposal and can probably put more pressure on him than a normal citizen. Contact the fraud division of the CC company since this is fraud in my opinion.

[clutch]

"son of a pregnant dog"?  I just read the post I wrote and noticed that and the word "nuts" replaced somthing else I guess I cant write so I wont or it will be changed to nuts again...LOL ;D

[clemmr211]

Sean,
I'm going to make one last, but very informed call to the detective and ask if I can just take some pictures, bring my reciepts and statements and come give him my story..  I'm really kicking myself now because basically I called him, told him I had a motor, he told me it was stolen, then I offered to take it out and bring it to him...  I mean, what else is he going to say..  
And again, this case is going to be huge and I have no doubt there will be jail time..I'm not going to give up too much info, but from what we know here at work, there are really good reasons everyone here wants me to just completely break myself from anything to with what he has gotten himself into...
Man....  I just want to race  :(

[clutch]

All that motor is going to end up in is an evidence room for ever then probably melted down.  They may want to contact the original owner and see if he wants the motor back..it is probably his choice, unless the insurance company wants it back, but all they will do is sell it anyway.  They will probably want to photo it on their own and go over it.  You did the right thing man..if you didnt and you got caught with it then you would be up nuts creek.  

[clemmr211]

All that motor is going to end up in is an evidence room for ever then probably melted down.  They may want to contact the original owner and see if he wants the motor back..it is probably his choice, unless the insurance company wants it back, but all they will do is sell it anyway.  They will probably want to photo it on their own and go over it.  You did the right thing man..if you didnt and you got caught with it then you would be up nuts creek.  

Actually, this does make me think of it another way, if I found some way to delay my turning it over, black and white, I still have a stolen motor in my bike and who's to say I don't get pulled over one day and they decide they want to look in my trailer, and bam, "Mr. Clemm, do you know the motor in your race bike is stolen" "Yes sir, but I can explain, I'm only keeping it until it's needed for evidence in a federal case"...  ya... that's going to fly...

[clutch]

you would be arrested. 99.9% sure of that and charged with theft over $500 which is a felony if you are in MD. You would probably get off in court, but, then you will have lawyer fees and time to spend in court which aint worth it. The cops just go by what they are told then they run the numbers..we have no way of actually knowing the real deal when on the street with limited info.  Run it in NCIC and what they say goes as soon as it is confirmed stolen.  These donkeys who do these chop shops all get caught eventually.  Believe it or not there are LOTS of these guys out there..big big business and fast cash.  Kinda like drug dealers who think they are in the big time..they all go down sooner or later. One I know of used to brag he was untouchable..we knew what he was doing..he was king pinning..He is now facing 40+ years federally on narcotics trafficing, weapons charges and a ton of other stuff. Yes..federally he will have to serve a minimum of 25 years without the possibility of parole until after that 25 is served.  He will be an old man who lived the glamorous life style for several years...it aint worth it..they all get caught.  Bring all you paperwork with you to the PD.  You may be called to testify against him if a plea isnt reached.

[clemmr211]

...Bring all you paperwork with you to the PD.  You may be called to testify against him if a plea isnt reached.

I have it sitting here right next to me...  

[Baltobuell]

 Make copies! Hide the originals! They are the only proof you have that you're not involved! Nobody knows what that cop is thinking. Just make sure you CYA.
 Still, with no motor in your motorcycle, they'd have to pick it up. It would be lighter by then too ;D