FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2013
Matthew Dunlap
207-626-8400

Secretary of State, Office of Investigations Releases Year End Report

The Secretary of State’s Office of Investigations has completed its Year End Report for 2012.   Of the 2,996 cases assigned in 2012 many were consumer complaints, ranging from unsafe vehicles to warranty issues. The Office investigated and closed 2,958 cases, resulting in $271,618.83 in restitution being returned to the consumer.  Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap praised the detectives for their work on behalf of all Maine citizens, commenting that “consumer complaints are one of the most important responsibilities of the office and the detectives do an outstanding job in assisting those who need our help.”

Consumer complaints are just one of many responsibilities of the Office of Investigations.  Detectives are charged with the enforcement of a specialized field of law enforcement.   They are uniquely trained, qualified and authorized to pursue regulatory compliance and bring to prosecution crimes under motor vehicle and criminal law.  In addition to consumer complaints, responsibilities include regulation and enforcement of laws concerning vehicle dealers, title fraud, odometer fraud, automobile identification, auto theft investigations, registration evasion, insurance fraud, driver license and state identification card fraud and other special assignments.

The Office of Investigation includes eleven sworn, Maine Criminal Justice Academy certified law enforcement officers and support staff.