SUFFOLK SHERIFF ANNOUNCES RESULTS OF GHOST PLATE TASKFORCE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 5, 2026

SUFFOLK SHERIFF ANNOUNCES RESULTS OF GHOST PLATE TASKFORCE

 More than 1,000 summonses and nearly 60 arrests made by SCSO in six months

(SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY) Today, Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. announced the six-month results of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office’s participation in the multi-agency Ghost Plate Task Force. Since joining the task force in August 2025, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office has issued 1,044 summonses, made 57 arrests, and impounded 20 vehicles. The Ghost Plate Task Force includes more than a dozen partner agencies, including the NYPD, MTA Police, Nassau County Police Department, Suffolk County Police Department, the New York City Sheriff’s Office, and others.

“Illegal ‘ghost’ plates and other deceptive practices pose a serious threat to public safety and will not be tolerated in Suffolk County,” said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. “These tools are often used to conceal a driver’s identity, evade detection, and facilitate dangerous criminal activity. The Suffolk Sheriff’s Office is proud to work alongside our law enforcement partners to crack down on fraudulent plates, illegal plate covers, illegal window tints, and related violations—sending a clear message that criminals cannot hide from us.”

The Ghost Plate Task Force focuses on identifying and enforcing violations involving fraudulent license plates, plate covers, illegal window tints, and fake or altered “temporary tags,” which are often designed to appear as if they were issued out of state. Vehicles involved in these violations are frequently unregistered, uninsured, or stolen.

Among the 57 arrests made during the enforcement period were charges including:

• Criminal Contempt (Misdemeanor)

• Aggravated Unlicensed Operation (Third Degree – Misdemeanor / Second Degree – Misdemeanor / First Degree – Felony)

• Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument (Second Degree – Felony; Third Degree – Misdemeanor)

• Criminal Possession of Stolen Property (Third Degree – Felony; Second Degree – Misdemeanor)

• Criminal Possession of a Weapon (Third Degree – Felony)

• Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)

• Aggravated DWI (0.18% BAC or higher)

• Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs (DWAI–Drugs)

Enforcement:

• Summonses Issued: 1,044

• Arrests: 57

• Vehicles Impounded: 20

• Warrants Cleared: 4

The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office will continue to participate in the multi-agency Ghost Plate Task Force to enhance roadway safety and hold violators accountable.  For more information please contact the Public Information Officer at SheriffPIO@SuffolkCountyny.gov

All information contained in this release is provided for general informational purposes only. To the extent that pending criminal matters are discussed, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.