A Springfield woman has admitted guilt in a federal prosecution centered on a scheme that relied on falsified paperwork to secure ownership claims for vehicles previously reported stolen.
Christie Engle, 49, entered her plea before U.S. Chief Magistrate Willie J. Epps Jr., acknowledging one count of mail fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft, and one count of money laundering.
Court records state that Engle was employed by Dennis Cleveland, the owner of Affordable Towing. Prosecutors said Cleveland instructed his staff, including Engle, to submit fraudulent applications to the Missouri Department of Revenue seeking substitute or replacement mechanics liens and vehicle titles. These filings were intended to create the appearance of lawful authority so the vehicles could be sold through Affordable Towing…