Colorado tow truck driver who stole dozens of cars gets 16 years in prison

A Colorado tow truck driver who stole nearly 50 cars across the Denver area was sentenced Monday to 16 years in prison, according to Douglas County court records.

Brian Chacon, 34, took a deal and pleaded guilty to a dozen felony charges, including forgery, operating a chop shop and 10 counts of second-degree motor vehicle theft, court records show.

That deal dropped 38 additional motor vehicle theft charges and 36 counts each of forgery and operating a chop shop from his case, according to court records.

Chacon operated Aurora-based Eagle Wing Towing and, between April 2023 and February 2024, used his tow truck to steal dozens of unoccupied vehicles, according to a news release from the 23rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office. He then forged ownership documents to sell the cars to salvage yards across the metro area.

At least 48 vehicles were confirmed stolen, according to the release. Another 29 cars were suspected to be stolen, but investigators weren’t able to identify or reach the most recent owners.

In total, Chacon sold more than 80 vehicles to salvage yards during the “widespread auto theft scheme,” the release stated.

“Chacon thought he was untouchable,” Chief Deputy District Attorney Jake Adkins stated in the release. “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.”

Sheriff’s officials previously said detectives found child pornography in Chacon’s possession during the investigation, but the man was not charged, according to court records.

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