Pair of N.J. MVC Employees, Union County Man Parked in Reported Inspection Scam

New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice Director Vaughn McKoy announced that the Division of Criminal Justice – Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor has obtained an indictment charging two Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) employees and a Union County man with conspiracy and bribery after the Union County man allegedly bribed the MVC employees into giving him a fraudulent motor vehicle inspection sticker.

According to Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Greta Gooden-Brown, Ghmaso Nyasanu Johnson, 28, of Glen Gardner, Hunterdon County; Delandras Markeith Williams, 24, of Irvington, Essex County; and Gentree Vanblake, 30, of Plainfield, Union County, were charged with conspiracy and bribery (both 3rd degree). Johnson and Williams, both employees of the Plainfield Motor Vehicle Commission Inspection Station, were additionally charged with official misconduct (third degree). Third-degree crimes carry a penalty of up to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000. The defendants will be ordered to appear in Union County Superior Court on a date yet to be determined for arraignment and bail hearings.

The Union County indictment alleges that on Jan. 20, 2004, Vanblake took his 2002 Volkswagen Jetta to the Plainfield Inspection Station. After his car failed the inspection, Vanblake allegedly approached Johnson and asked if he (Johnson) could provide Vanblake with a “pass” sticker for his vehicle, offering him a $40 bribe. Johnson subsequently convinced Williams to assist in the scam.

On Feb. 13, 2004, Vanblake allegedly put the failed vehicle identification report and the $40 in Johnson’s car. After receiving his half of the money, Williams entered the inspection site’s computer and changed Vanblake’s report from an “F” to a “P,” giving the false impression that Vanblake’s Jetta had passed the inspection. Johnson and Williams allegedly issued an automobile inspection sticker to Vanblake which indicated that the automobile passed inspection.

Both Johnson and Williams were terminated from the Plainfield MVC as a result of the investigation.