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SALT LAKE CITY -- The investigation into dozens of missing cars from a Nebraska car dealership has stretched to Utah.
Authorities in Nebraska have traced about a dozen of the missing cars to Salt Lake City. Some of them ended up at an auto auction.
The cars were taken off the Legacy Auto Sales dealership lot in Scottsbluff, Neb.
A picture shows someone loading the cars from the lot onto a transporter truck Monday night. At the time, the photographer from a local newspaper who took the picture didn't know what was happening. But prosecutors in Scottsbluff County say the 81 cars taken, mainly Toyotas and Fords, were brand new and valued at about $2.5 million.
The dealership's owner, Allen Patch, and two top managers cleaned out their desks and disappeared. They are all suspects in this case and there are warrants for their arrest for theft.
Investigators with the Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division in Utah are helping with the case. Authorities say Patch, along with another suspect, Rachel Fait, could be here in Utah.
Charlie Roberts, with the Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division, said, "It's our understanding the suspects have Utah ties, previously owned dealerships in Utah and are originally from Utah."
Prosecutors say between seven and 12 cars were found at Brasher's Auto Auction and at Utah Auto Auction. Investigators in Utah say the businesses called them to let them know they had the cars.
Other cars have been found in Arizona, Las Vegas and at the Scottsbluff airport.
Police say one of the suspects, Rick Covello, has called police and plans to turn himself in Thursday.
E-mail: syi@ksl.com
