Search warrants have been served at several locations in Syracuse and Lincoln following a six-month-long investigation by the Nebraska State Patrol, Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles Criminal Fraud Unit and the Nebraska Department of Revenue.
On Wednesday, Sept. 1, investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol Auto Fraud Division served search warrants at Pharma Chemie, Inc., 1877 Midland St., and building at 2903 Hazel Rd. in Syracuse. A residence at 2400 Ridgeline Dr. in Lincoln, owned by Mark Pieloch, 52, Lincoln, was also searched.
The investigation involves allegations of failure to register or pay sales tax in Nebraska on a 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche.
An arrest warrant has also been issued for Pieloch for willful avoidance of sales tax.
The investigation follows an effort begun in 2008 to crack down on individuals who fail to properly title and register their vehicles in the State of Nebraska, according to a State Patrol news release.
Since the initial crackdown, approximately $1.5 million has been recovered in motor vehicle taxes and fees.
“Failure to properly title and register vehicles is a common complaint investigated by our agency,” said Colonel Bryan Tuma, superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol.
“Most often those cases are generated by law-abiding taxpayers wanting to make sure everyone is paying their fair share. Individuals who choose to break the law should know we continue to actively investigate these cases,” Tuma said.
