Scrap metal thieves busted

From the NY Post:

Five people — including four tow truck operators — were busted for towing cars off the street and selling them for scrap metal.

The 21 stolen vehicles ranged from a 1983 Oldsmobile Delta 88 to a 2008 Ford Econoline van, and brought the suspects $200 to $400 each, authorities said.

The five perps towed the cars to A&J Scrap Metal Processing LLC in Jamaica, Queens, between May 2010 and October 2010, said Queens DA Richard Brown.

The yard has a Web site that offers "instant ca$h for all vehicles and scrap" and promises to pay "on the spot!"

The suspects were identified as Francisco Adames, 40, of Freeport; Lawrence Bellino, 37, of Howard Beach, Queens; Jonathan Colon, 35, of Flushing, Queens; LePaul Gammons, of Catskills, and Michael Olivio, 42, of Richmond Hill, Queens.

All were charged with possession of stolen property and other charges. Gammons is also charged with grand larceny.