The New Jersey State Police is seeking the Public’s assistance in locating Kendall Dupree, also known as Michael James Hanigan, 36, of New York, NY who allegedly sold stolen vehicles with fraudulent vehicle identification numbers (VIN) online.
In February 2021, detectives from the State Police Motor Vehicle Crimes South Unit began investigating the purchase of a stolen motor vehicle with a fraudulent VIN and fraudulent Georgia title from Facebook Marketplace sold through an account named “El Lloyd.”
Through various investigative means, detectives identified Dupree and Christopher Gayton, 40, of New York, NY, as operators of the Facebook account.
On October 2, 2021, detectives arrested Gayton, and charged him with trafficking stolen property, forgery, receiving stolen property, altering motor vehicle VIN, and conspiracy.
As a result of the investigation, detectives recovered 7 stolen vehicles worth $265,000 in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Virginia, and linked them to the suspects.
Detectives also determined that Gayton used the Facebook account “El Lloyd” to sell legitimate motor vehicles that possess fraudulent vehicle titles.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Kendall Dupree or who may have purchased a vehicle from "El Lloyd" on Facebook marketplace is asked to contact Detective I Christopher Scafidi of the State Police Motor Vehicle Crimes South Unit at lpp7337@njsp.org. Anonymous tips are welcome.
Charges are mere accusations, and the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty.