Man arrested after Operation MistleTow uncovers illegal towing ring

A man was arrested Friday morning after a monthslong investigation led by the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office's Auto Theft Task Force that was called Operation MistleTow.

Joseph Allen Beard, 53, allegedly stole multiple vehicles through an illegal tow truck operation that sold cars for scrap metal, according to news releases from the Portland Police Bureau and the District Attorney's Office. The releases say he is facing 22 charges, including trafficking in stolen vehicles, unauthorized use of a vehicle, possession of a stolen vehicle, theft, criminal mischief, forgery and identity theft.

The District Attorney's Office said Maters Auto Recycling sold about 80 to vehicles to Rivergate Scrap Metal between late August and early November. Five of the vehicles had been reported stolen and 17 appeared to have false Vehicle Identification Numbers.

Beard is allegedly connected to all five of the stolen vehicles.

Police said a big break in the investigation happened the evening of Dec.

8 when a 97-year-old woman reported a tow truck driver trying to steal her Cadillac in the 1700 block of Northeast 66th Avenue. Officials said that she was in another car with her great-grandchildren when she saw her car being towed and boxed in Beard's tow truck and demanded that he release her car. He released her car and left the scene before police arrived.

Police say she provided crucial information for the investigation.

Police ask anyone with information who has not already spoken to investigators about crimes that may be connected to Beard to email [email protected][1] and reference case number 23-317217.

-- The Oregonian/OregonLive

References

1. ^ [email protected] (www.oregonlive.com)