NEW CASTLE, DE — An 18-year-old man has been charged following an investigation into the alleged sale of stolen vehicles using fraudulent identification numbers, according to New Castle County police.
Police said detectives with the New Castle County Division of Police began the investigation in September 2025 after receiving information about a suspect allegedly selling stolen Honda and Acura vehicles through social media platforms.
According to investigators, the suspect, identified as Ailear Braxton, allegedly used multiple names online and is accused of selling vehicles with fraudulent Vehicle Identification Numbers to conceal their true identities.
Detectives reported that when buyers later attempted to register the vehicles, the original VINs were uncovered, revealing the vehicles had been reported stolen.
Police stated that Braxton was taken into custody on April 2 following the investigation.
Braxton has been charged with six felony counts of selling stolen property valued over $1,500 and six felony counts of receiving stolen property valued over $1,500.
According to authorities, he was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution after bail was set at $24,000 secured.
Investigators said there may be additional victims who unknowingly purchased stolen vehicles or vehicle parts, particularly Honda or Acura models, through social media marketplaces.
Police are asking anyone with information or who believes they may have purchased a vehicle or parts connected to this case to contact Detective Diksa at 302-395-8231 or by email at Dakota.Diksa@newcastlede.gov.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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