ANKENY, Iowa – May 3, 2018 –  A recent investigation by the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Investigation and Identity Protection has uncovered odometer tampering at Siouxland Auto Sales in Sioux City. Anyone who has purchased a vehicle from Francisco Hurtado or Siouxland Auto Sales at 500 S. Lewis Blvd. from 2016 to 2018 is encouraged to notify the Bureau of Investigation & Identity Protection at 515-237-3050 or email invbureau@iowadot.us with vehicle and contact information.

The December investigation was initiated after the Iowa DOT received a tip regarding vehicles which displayed odometers that had been tampered with, rolled back from high miles to lesser miles, to increase the vehicles’ value. On Jan. 17, 2018, a search warrant was served after undercover operations revealed three known victims and after identifying vehicles with tampered odometers on the dealer’s lot. This resulted in the seizure of 14 vehicles displaying odometers which had been tampered with. The owner, Francisco Hurtado, was booked into the Woodbury County Jail April 26 for six counts of fraudulent practice in the 2^nd degree, each a Class D Felony.

If you suspect vehicle fraud from this or any Iowa dealer, please contact the Bureau of Investigation & Identity Protection at 515-237-3050 or email invbureau@iowadot.us.