Two Charged With Stealing Diesel VWs
Two Michigan men have been charged with allegedly conspiring to steal Volkswagen and Audi diesel vehicles involved in the emissions scandal that were parked at the Pontiac Silverdome, U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider announced March 11.

Two Michigan men allegedly conspired to steal 61 diesel Volkswagen and Audi vehicles.
Screenshot via Jacuzzibusguy/YouTube.
Two Michigan men have been charged with allegedly conspiring to steal Volkswagen and Audi diesel vehicles involved in the emissions scandal that were parked at the Pontiac Silverdome, U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider announced March 11.
The automaker has been storing its diesel vehicles at the former NFL stadium since late 2016.
From March to September of 2017, Romane Porter, 42, and Daniel Onorati, 41, allegedly conspired with each other and others to steal about 61 vehicles in the Silverdome parking lot. About 46 of the stolen vehicles were shipped to other states for sale.
If convicted of selling or possessing stolen vehicles, Porter and Onorati face up to 10 years in prison. If convicted of the conspiracy charge, they face up to five years and a fine of up to $250,000.
Porter of Farmington Hills is scheduled for arraignment on April 12. Onorati of Eastpointe was arraigned last week and released on an unsecured bond.
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