LEWISTON, Maine — A local car dealer was indicted on two felony charges this week after a month-long investigation by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, according to officials.
Dan Pulkkinen, owner of U-Turn Auto Sales, is facing 15 counts of aggravated forgery and an aggravated theft charge, both Class B felonies, according to a statement from the Department of the Secretary of State.
Last summer, the BMV fielded several complaints from people who claimed their vehicles were being repossessed despite not knowing about outstanding liens.
According to the statement, Pulkkinen borrowed money to purchase the vehicles, put his name on every title and stopped giving them back when he stopped getting paid, allegedly using the money to pay other bills.
A dealer is required to have a vehicle title on the premises, according to the statement. About 23 consumers were impacted in this case.
With the help of the BMV Vehicle Services Division and the Bureau of Insurance, the state was able to invoke Pukkinen’s bond on the vehicles to pay back the lender so he would release the titles to consumers who purchased them.
Detective Christine Buchanan’s work in gathering evidence from the consumers was the vital factor in leading to Pukkinen’s indictment. Pukkinen faces up to 10 years in prison on each charge.
