New York Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday announced the arrest and sentencing of a Brooklyn man accused of selling dozens of forged temporary license plates through social media in a scheme that spanned more than a year.
Tyheem Evans, 28, pleaded guilty in Kings County Criminal Court to one felony count of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree. He was sentenced to a three-year conditional discharge and ordered to complete 100 hours of community service.
Authorities said Evans sold more than 50 fake temporary license plates to customers in New York and other states, including California, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, Texas, and Virginia. Investigators found the scheme defrauded at least 52 customers.
According to the Office of the Attorney General, Evans used an Instagram account, @DMVTemps, to advertise 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day temporary plates, claiming they were valid nationwide. He charged up to $210 per plate.
“Tyheem Evans defrauded drivers and the DMV with a petty scheme to line his own pockets while making our roads less safe,” James said in a statement. She urged residents to follow legal procedures when registering vehicles.
The investigation, conducted with the New York City Department of Investigation and the state Department of Motor Vehicles, found Evans collected customer information through Instagram direct messages, including vehicle details and VIN numbers. Customers were instructed to pay via Zelle. After receiving payment, Evans emailed forged plates as PDF files.
Officials said fraudulent temporary plates contribute to the rise of so-called “ghost cars,” which are difficult to trace and can evade tolls, tickets, and law enforcement.
“This defendant pleaded guilty and was sentenced today for using social media to advertise and sell forged temporary license plates for a fee to more than four dozen customers,” said DOI Commissioner Nadia I. Shihata. She added that such plates “undercut safety on our roads” and can conceal other violations.
State DMV Acting Commissioner Christian Jackstadt said the case reflects a broader effort to combat fraudulent plates. “We will find you and you will be held responsible for your actions,” he said.
Authorities said the scheme operated from April 2022 through September 2023.
The case was prosecuted by the attorney general’s Public Integrity Bureau, with assistance from investigators across multiple agencies.
