Alleged tow scheme co-conspirators indicted

SANDUSKY — Two women implicated in an alleged fraud scheme were recently arrested on their indictments. Kim Bacni, 67, and Tracey Newman, 52, both of the 600 block of Birchwood Drive, Sandusky, are each facing one first-degree felony engaging in a pattern of corrupt behavior, 14 counts of third-degree felony tampering with records and two fifth-degree felony counts of theft. Each count includes specifications for the forfeiture of three vehicles: a 2016 white Ford F-550 truck, a 2017 white Ford F-350 truck and a 1992 red GMC C6 van. There is also a specification on each count for the forfeiture of a checking account and a savings account. One of each woman's theft counts alleges that they defrauded the owners of various salvage title and insurance companies. In addition to the women, the business, Walt's Auto Repair, was also indicted with the same counts. The women were implicated in a scheme that first came to light when Walter J. Kapiskosky III was recently arrested and later indicted with similar offenses. Kapiskosky, 57, of the 600 block of Birchwood Drive, runs two towing companies: Walt's and Kap's. The scheme involved submitting false or inaccurate information on forms sent to the Erie County recorder's office. Sandusky police began an investigation when Kapiskosky called to say he had located a vehicle that was stolen from him in Perkins Township. The original owner of the vehicle claimed they still owned it. The conspirators were allegedly attempting to obtain titles for cars towed by the businesses. At least 25 cars were involved in the scheme, according to Sandusky police Chief Jared Oliver. Police said that after obtaining titles, some of the vehicles were sold, some were scrapped and at least one was used as a daily driver for Kapiskosky. Both Bacni and Newman were released from jail on $50,000 recognizance bonds, meaning they were instructed to sign a document stating they will show up for court or owe the court $50,000. Kapiskosky was released after posting a $100,000 bond. He was ordered to have no contact with several automotive and financial businesses as a condition of his bond. The three defendants have upcoming court dates in Erie County Common Pleas Court: • Kapiskosky has a court hearing scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on April 30. • Newman's next court hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on April 28. • Bacni's appearance is set for 1:30 p.m. on April 29.