Nearly 500,000 Volkswagen vehicles were affected by the Dieselgate incident in the US, which created a significant logistical challenge for the firm as it had to find a location to store them. The Pontiac Silverdome, the former home of the Detroit Lions, was one such venue.
Thousands of cars could fit in the parking lot of the then-ratty football stadium, which was located next to the Auburn Hills campus of Volkswagen Group of America. Although the Silverdome was handy, it was not particularly safe, as evidenced by Romane Porter, 47, who was recently given an eight-year prison sentence for his involvement in the theft of about 61 recalled Audi and Volkswagen cars.
Two Men from Michigan Are Accused of Stealing 61 Dieselgate Volkswagen and Audi Vehicles
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan claims that during the course of six months in 2017, Porter and Daniel Onorati plotted with others to steal dozens of cars from the Silverdome. After being sold, these cars would then be shipped out of Michigan.
A jury found Porter guilty in April of conspiring to transport stolen cars and of transporting stolen cars. U.S. District Judge Denise Page Hood handed down Porter a 97-month prison term and $683,080 (£512,730 / €613,535) in restitution after the jury rendered their decision. He will remain under supervision for the following three years after he is eventually released.
“The sentencing of Romane Porter sends a stark reminder that those individuals who conspire to commit fraud and theft, will face the highest penalties under the law,” stated Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Michigan office. He continued by expressing gratitude to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Auto Theft section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their contributions in foiling “an elaborate theft scheme orchestrated by this bad actor.”
Ironically, Porter received worse punishments than the former head of Volkswagen AG’s U.S. Environment and Engineering Office. Oliver Schmidt was convicted to 84 months in jail and a $400,000 (£300,252 / €359,308) criminal penalty for his role in the Dieselgate incident, according to a 2017 announcement from the Justice Department.
