Smithtown Man Arrested In Used Car Scam

Suffolk County Police today arrested a Smithtown man for taking money to sell a used car, but never delivering the vehicle.  

Emmanuel Amaral, 42, collected $2,000 cash and a check for $2,800 for the purchase of a 2006 Ford Van. However he never delivered the vehicle, or returned payment to the victim.  

Amaral claims he sells vehicles and operates out of Jake’s Towing and Recovery, located at 4 Yerk Ave., Ronkonkoma. He has been charged numerous times for similar incidents in the recent past.  

Amaral was arrested at his house in Smithtown , at 9 a.m. He was charged with Grand Larceny 3rd Degree. He will be held overnight at the Fourth Precinct, and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on February 16.  

Fourth Squad detectives believe there maybe more incidents involving Amaral that have gone unreported. Detectives are asking anyone with information about this incident to contact the Fourth Squad at 631-854-8452 or call anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will remain confidential.  

The investigation is continuing.   A criminal charge is an accusation.

A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.