fraud

Woman accused of operating long-running scam that sold fake temporary tags in Harris County

Thursday, March 30, 2023

Loopholes in use of fake car tags in Harris Co. closed under new laws

Fake paper tags have cost the county about $80 million over the past six years, according to a report. Now, officials are coming up with ways to close loopholes in a broken system.

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- A woman accused of selling fake license plate tags faces multiple felony charges in Harris County, according to deputies.

The video above is from a previous report on the problem of fraudulent paper plate tags in Harris County.

Harris County Constable Precinct 5 deputies said they arrested 37-year-old Tina Marie Jimenez on Thursday for selling the temporary tags for profit.

Officials said her arrest came after an 18-month investigation and was part of the Harris County Toll Road Authority's ongoing "Tag You're It" fictitious temporary tag enforcement campaign.

Pct. 5 said Jimenez was identified as the prime suspect in a long-running scam that produced and sold fake temporary tags out of her vehicle titling, insurance, and tax service business.

Jimenez was charged with unauthorized reproduction and sale of a temporary tag and money laundering, which are felony charges.

Investigators said the offense may have involved at least $35,000 in alleged laundered funds and toll violations.

At the time of her arrest, Jimenez was allegedly on probation on felony charges of a third drunk driving conviction over a 10-year period.

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