Published: 05-28-2026 | Category: Troop B
Kenner – In January 2026, the Louisiana State Police Criminal Investigations Division (LSP CID) New Orleans Field Office initiated an investigation into fraudulent auto title-related business practices in Jefferson and St. Tammany Parishes. The investigation resulted in the arrest of 46-year-old Karen Rosales of Kenner.
The investigation began after detectives were contacted by the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) regarding suspected fraudulent activity involving Latino Auto Title LLC, a business owned by Rosales. Detectives learned the company had been operating as an Auto Title Company without a valid OMV contract since 2019. Detectives further determined that Rosales charged inflated fees and generated substantial unregulated profits by misrepresenting services, using forged or altered documents, and filing false public records to acquire vehicle titles and registrations for customers between Jefferson and St. Tammany Parishes.
On February 4, 2026, detectives executed a search warrant at Latino Auto Title LLC and discovered multiple items consistent with fraudulent activity. Detectives also determined that between 2024 and 2026, the business collected over $100,000 from customers for auto title-related services that were not authorized to be conducted.
On May 27, 2026, detectives arrested Karen Rosales on arrest warrants and booked her on multiple charges in the parishes where the offenses occurred.
Jefferson Parish: one count of LA RS 14:112: False Personation, 32 counts of LA RS 14:72: Forgery, and one count of LA RS 14:230: Money Laundering involving Proceeds of Criminal Activity.
St. Tammany Parish: 17 counts of LA RS 14:133: Filing or Maintaining False Public Records.
The Louisiana State Police reminds the public that fraudulent business practices and document forgery are serious criminal offenses that undermine public trust and victimize consumers. The public plays an important role in helping identify individuals involved in these crimes and is encouraged to report criminal or suspicious activity. Reports can be submitted through the LA-SAFE website at la-safe.org by selecting the “Suspicious Activity Reports” link, calling the LSP Suspicious Activity Hotline at 1-800-434-8007, or using the See Send Smartphone app.
Contact Information:
Trooper Kyle Wagner
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section – Troop B
(504) 202-6900
[email protected]