N.J. MVC Employee Pleads Guilty in Motor Vehicle Title Scam

New Jersey Attorney General Peter Harvey announced that a former Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) supervisor has pled guilty to a charge of official misconduct for reportedly selling a fictitious duplicate motor vehicle title to a person unable to legally obtain a title.

According to Vaughn McKoy, Director, Division of Criminal Justice and Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Greta Gooden Brown, JoAnn Guzzi, 51, of Cumberland County, pled guilty before Cumberland County Superior Court Judge Julio Mendez to a criminal Accusation which charged her with one count of official misconduct (3rd degree). The guilty plea was entered before Judge Mendez on Aug. 21. A third degree crime carries a sentence of up to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000. Guzzi will also face civil insurance fraud fines pursuant to the civil Insurance Fraud Prevention Act. Guzzi is scheduled to appear before Judge Mendez on Sept. 26 for sentencing.

According to Gooden Brown, Guzzi, a former supervisor at the Vineland Motor Vehicle Commission office, reportedly admitted that on Aug. 22, 2001 she manufactured a duplicate automobile title application form in the name of Dian Douglas and signed Douglas’ name on the application without Douglas’ knowledge or authorization.

Guzzi also reportedly admitted that she sold the duplicate title to Ismael Ramos for approximately $80 knowing that Ramos was not entitled to the duplicate automobile title. Guzzi was terminated from her employment with the MVC on June 25.

The investigation is continuing and further charges are possible.