URGENT UPDATE: A 38-year-old woman has been charged with theft after failing to return a rental car and allegedly altering its license plate. Chelsea Arian Taimanglo faces serious charges, including theft of a motor vehicle as a second-degree felony and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle as a misdemeanor, according to a magistrate’s complaint filed in Superior Court.
The incident began on January 19, when an employee from Nissan Rent A Car reported that Taimanglo had not returned a 2025 dark gray Nissan Sentra. She had rented the vehicle on January 4 and made daily payments until January 15. After that date, she failed to make any payments or return the car, prompting employees to attempt contact, which proved unsuccessful.
An all-points bulletin was issued after efforts to locate the Sentra failed. On February 9, an officer found the vehicle in Yona, discovering that the front temporary plate was missing and the rear plate had been altered with a black marker to display a different number. The officer confirmed that the VIN matched the missing Sentra.
Taimanglo was later located at a residence and brought in for questioning. She admitted to not paying for the rental since January 18, but claimed she maintained regular contact with the rental company. However, the names she provided did not match any employees at Nissan Rent A Car.
In a shocking twist, Taimanglo acknowledged the alteration of the temporary license plate but denied responsibility, claiming a former boyfriend was to blame for the act. This revelation raises questions about the nature of her rental agreement and her intentions.
As this case unfolds, Taimanglo faces significant legal repercussions. Authorities are urging anyone with further information on the matter to come forward. The implications of this incident resonate beyond the courtroom, highlighting issues of trust and accountability in rental agreements.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
