Tow Truck Operator and Car Dealer Sentenced for Car Theft Scheme

New York – A sinister car theft scheme has met its match as John F. Rivers, 44, of East Greenbush, and Robert A. Pitcher, 58, of Broadalbin, have been sentenced for their roles in the Capital Region’s towing fraud.

The Attorney General’s Office (OAG) and New York State Police (NYSP) cracked a ring that defrauded car owners out of tens of thousands of dollars. Rivers, a tow truck operator, was caught using his business to steal vehicles from parking lots across the region, then selling them to dealers like Pitcher.

Rivers received two to six years in prison, while Pitcher faces five years of probation for their involvement. ‘New Yorkers deserve to trust that their cars are safe,’ Attorney General James declared, emphasizing the severity of Rivers’ actions: ‘He turned his business into a criminal operation, leaving many car owners stranded and out of pocket.’

Investigations showed Rivers exploited his position as a tow truck operator with contracts at local businesses, including a Walmart in Latham and a Home Depot in Rensselaer. He would then sell the stolen vehicles to Pitcher, who fraudulently resold them.

The OAG charged Rivers for stealing 17 cars worth $230,000 over two years. Pitcher was hit with 11 felony counts for his role in purchasing and reselling the stolen vehicles. A chilling case involved Rivers’ ‘undercover’ Hyundai Sonata being towed from a Walmart parking lot, only to be chopped up into parts without notifying the owner.

Superintendent James of the NYSP praised the successful partnership with the OAG, emphasizing their commitment to dismantling car theft schemes: ‘Car theft is no small matter, and we will continue to work tirelessly to protect New Yorkers from such crimes.’

RELATED: David DePape Convicted Of Assault And Attempted Kidnapping Charges