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L.I. tow truck driver stole boro vehicles: DA

KEW GARDENS — A Long Island tow truck driver was indicted last week for allegedly making money by stealing 22 vehicles off the streets of Queens and delivered them for destruction, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said.

Robert Lorenz, 48, of 2 Pettit Drive, Dix Hills, L.I., was charged on several counts, including grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property, the DA said.

From March 22 to July 10, Lorenz, who drove a tow truck labeled “Kenny's” or “Cobra Scrap,” allegedly towed legally parked vehicles and dropped them off at Allocco Metal Recycling in Brooklyn, according to the DA.

The tow truck driver allegedly gave the scrapyard's owners false MV-35 forms, which stated he was the vehicle's owner, and reaped nearly $500 for each delivery, Brown said.

Under New York State Department of Motor Vehicles rules, a vehicle owner may use the form to transfer a vehicle, worth $1,250 or less and at least eight model years old — to a registered vehicle dismantler, according to Brown.

If convicted, Lorzenz faces up to seven years in prison.