Tow truck driver stole over 80 cars and sold them to junk yards, CO officials say

A 34-year-old tow truck driver is going to prison after being accused of stealing cars and selling them to junk yards through a “loophole” in Colorado law, officials said

Between April 2023 and February 2024, Brian Chacon of Castle Rock, the operator of Eagle Wing Towing in Aurora, targeted 50 car owners throughout the Denver area, according to a Sept. 29 news release by the 23rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

He stole over 80 cars and “forged ownership documents,” allowing him to sell them to junk yards “from Douglas County to Denver to Aurora,” prosecutors said.

Officers weren’t able to confirm 29 additional stolen cars because the owners were unreachable, officials said.

Chacon was able to exploit a “loophole” in the state’s law that “allowed him to complete the transactions without raising immediate suspicion,” officials said.

Although Chacon told Judge Ryan Stuart in court that he had “found God and was repentant and humbled,” the judge said, “I don’t believe you,” according to prosecutors.

Chacon pleaded guilty to felony charges of motor vehicle theft, forgery, and operating a chop shop, prosecutors said.

He was sentenced to 16 years in prison, officials said.

“Chacon thought he was untouchable,” Chief Deputy District Attorney Jake Adkins said. “He stole from people just trying to get by and showed no regret. This sentence reflects the seriousness of his crimes and ensures he won’t harm others for a long time.”

Deputy DA Chase Helseth echoed those sentiments.

“Chacon preyed on the working class — people who couldn’t afford to lose their only means of transportation. Today, justice caught up with him.”