Colorado tow truck driver sentenced 16 years for stealing nearly 50 vehicles

Brian Chacon, a tow truck driver from Castle Rock, Colorado, was sentenced to 16 years in prison for orchestrating a large-scale auto theft operation that involved stealing and selling over 80 vehicles across the Denver metro area. Chacon exploited loopholes in Colorado's towing and salvage yard regulations, allowing him to forge ownership documents and sell unoccupied vehicles to salvage yards before owners became aware of the thefts. Investigators confirmed at least 48 vehicles were stolen, with an additional 29 unconfirmed due to unreachable owners. Prosecutors emphasized that Chacon preyed on lower-income individuals who relied on older or broken-down cars, causing significant harm to these communities. Despite Chacon's claims of repentance, authorities and the court imposed a lengthy prison term to reflect the severity of his crimes and prevent further harm. The case highlighted regulatory gaps in the Public Utilities Commission oversight that enabled the scheme to proceed undetected for months.