United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

MERIDEN MAN WHO STOLE PORSCHE AUTOMOBILES PLEADS GUILTY IN FEDERAL COURT

Kevin J. O'Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a JEFFREY WEINHOLD, age 28, of 142 Cynrose Place, Meriden, Connecticut, pleaded guilty today to interstate transportation of a stolen Porsche automobile and money laundering. WEINHOLD was formerly the business manager of Prestige Olds, Inc., doing business as Porsche-Audi-Suzuki of Wallingford, at 800 South Colony Road, Wallingford, Connecticut. United States District Judge Christopher F. Droney accepted WEINHOLD's plea this morning in federal court in Hartford.

WEINHOLD previously was charged in a five-count Indictment alleging that WEINHOLD used deceptive means to steal the following four Porsche automobiles from Prestige, and then, between July 31, 2004 and August 11, 2004, transported the stolen Porsches, or caused them to be transported, across state lines:

• One 2001 Porsche 911 Carrera Turbo Coupe valued at approximately $80,496.45, transported to Hackensack, New Jersey.
• One 2004 Porsche 911 40th Anniversary Edition Coupe valued at approximately $93,320.00, transported to Springfield, Missouri.
• One 2004 Porsche 996 Turbo Cabriolet valued at approximately $135,890.00, transported to New York, New York.
• One 2004 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Coupe valued at approximately $93,995.00, transported to West Palm Beach, Florida.

In the course of the plea proceeding today, WEINHOLD admitted that he stole the four Porsches listed above from Prestige and transported them or caused them to be transported across state lines. WEINHOLD also admitted that, on or about March 1, 2004, he was involved with the theft and interstate transport of a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP from County Motors, Inc. of Pawtucket, RI. WEINHOLD Had worked at County Motors from approximately June 2000 through approximately September 2002.

In addition to pleading guilty to stealing the 2004 Porsche 4S Coupe described above, WEINHOLD also pleaded guilty today to violating a federal money laundering statute by depositing a check into a bank account in the amount of $63,500, which constituted proceeds from his interstate transportation of the above-described 2001 Porsche 911 Carrera Turbo Coupe from Connecticut to Hackensack, New Jersey, on or about July 31, 2004. The United States Attorney's Office has obtained warrants seizing $52,466.17 of the $63,500 WEINHOLD allegedly received as proceeds from his interstate transportation of the 2001 Porsche. As part of his plea agreement, WEINHOLD agreed to forfeit these seized funds and other items, including a laptop computer and cash seized at the time of his arrest. WEINHOLD also agreed to make full restitution to all victims of his criminal conduct.

The investigation began on August 2, 2004, when the Wallingford Police Department received a complaint from Prestige that the above-described 2004 Porsche Turbo Cabriolet had been stolen from the showroom floor. The Wallingford Police Department and the FBI have been jointly investigating the case since August 2.

Following the issuance of a criminal Complaint charging WEINHOLD with interstate transportation of stolen vehicles, WEINHOLD was arrested by FBI agents in New York City on August 11, 2004. All five automobiles stolen by WEINHOLD have been recovered by law enforcement authorities.

WEINHOLD faces a possible term of imprisonment of up to 20 years as well as fines up to $500,000 when he is sentenced on December 10, 2004.

"This case could not have been resolved this quickly without the excellent investigative work of both the Wallingford Police and FBI," U.S. Attorney O'Connor stated. "As a result, all five stolen cars and more than $52,000 in criminal proceeds have been recovered."

"As the behavior that is alleged to have occurred in this case comprises a major crime with nationwide dimensions, I am ever so proud of our staff, who at all times has demonstrated a high level of dedication, commitment and professional skill throughout this complex investigation," said Wallingford Chief of Police Douglas Dortenzio.

This case is being investigated by the Wallingford Police Department and the FBI. The Hackensack (NJ) Police Department has also provided assistance in the case.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Biran.

CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov