Nicholas J. Ganjei United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
The final individual involved in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud related to the sale of fraudulent Texas paper license plates has pleaded guilty, as announced by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Emmanuel Padilla Reyes, 35, was apprehended in September 2024 after being a fugitive. Reyes and his co-conspirators used digital platforms to sell fake state-issued buyer tags nationwide. As part of his plea, Reyes admitted to using aliases and another person’s Social Security number to obtain used car dealer licenses fraudulently. This enabled him to issue and sell at least 550,000 Texas temporary buyer tags without selling any vehicles.
These illegal tags present dangers by allowing buyers to bypass registration, safety inspections, and liability insurance while concealing identities from law enforcement. The investigation found that these fake vehicle tags facilitated criminal activities such as driving uninsured or committing robberies.
In Texas, obtaining an independent General Distinguishing Number (GDN) license through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles is required for legally dealing with vehicles. Licensed dealers can use the secure eTag portal for creating temporary buyer tags. Initially, there were no restrictions on data entered into this portal.
Reyes provided false information online to obtain GDN licenses for fictitious dealerships named “King’s Ranch Autoland” and “Texas Motor Company.” He then advertised these Texas buyer tags on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks will impose sentencing on July 23, where Reyes faces up to five years in prison and a possible $250,000 fine. He remains in custody pending sentencing.
Co-defendants Leidy Areli Hernandez Lopez, Octavian Ocasio, and Daniel Christine-Tani were also charged and convicted in the scheme; they received prison sentences. Lopez did not report to prison and is now considered a fugitive with an outstanding warrant for her arrest. Information about her whereabouts can be reported to the FBI at 713-693-5000.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI with assistance from various law enforcement agencies including Travis County Constable Office - Precinct 3, Houston Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, and New York Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Belinda Beek and Adam Goldman are prosecuting the case.
