Pennsylvania State Police have filed charges against a McAdoo man following an investigation into a stolen 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport that was discovered being advertised for sale online with an altered VIN number.
Authorities say Brahian Anibal Santos Mata, 26, of McAdoo, is wanted on felony and misdemeanor charges stemming from an October 14, 2025, incident. He is charged with Disposition of Vehicle with Altered VIN (F3), Receiving Stolen Property (F3), Altered or Counterfeit Documents and Plates (M1), and Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicles (M2).
The investigation began when a Pennsylvania State Police investigator spotted a suspicious listing for a 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport on Facebook Marketplace under the account name “Angel Jaquez.” The post included photos of the vehicle, a public VIN label, and even a screenshot of a CarFax Vehicle History Report.
When troopers ran the VIN through multiple databases, including CarFax and NMVTIS, inconsistencies were found. The VIN did not correspond to any legitimately titled vehicle, and records suggested it was counterfeit. Investigators also determined the listing photos were taken in McAdoo Borough, not in Lehighton as the ad suggested.
On October 8, troopers found the vehicle parked on North Sheridan Street in McAdoo, bearing a Pennsylvania license plate that actually belonged to a 2011 Acura registered to another borough resident. Surveillance confirmed the Honda remained parked in the same spot for days.
A search warrant, signed by Magisterial District Judge Andrew J. Serina, was obtained for the vehicle.
The Pennsylvania State Police Auto Theft Task Force and PSP Frackville began surveillance on October 14, eventually spotting the Honda being driven through McAdoo.
Troopers conducted a traffic stop on East Grant Street. The driver identified himself as David Salvador Ramirez-Done, and the passenger was identified as Santos Mata through a New York identification card.
During the stop, troopers were provided with a New Jersey vehicle title showing the fake VIN and a WalMart Auto Care Center receipt under the name “Angel Jaquez.” Investigators later determined the phone number on the receipt matched Santos Mata’s personal number.
During the stop, troopers were provided with a New Jersey vehicle title showing the fake VIN and a WalMart Auto Care Center receipt under the name “Angel Jaquez.” Investigators later determined the phone number on the receipt matched Santos Mata’s personal number.
Further investigation revealed the vehicle’s true VIN confirming it was a 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport stolen out of New York City on April 25, 2025. The New York Police Department confirmed the theft and the vehicle’s stolen status.
The Honda was seized and transported to PSP Frackville as evidence.
The Honda was seized and transported to PSP Frackville as evidence.
After being interviewed by troopers, Santos Mata was processed and released pending charges. A criminal complaint and affidavit of probable cause were filed on October 20th, 2025, with Magisterial District Judge Edward Tarantelli’s office.
As of this posting, Santos Mata has not been arraigned on the charges.