West Hempstead limo owner allegedly stretched the rules

A West Hempstead limo owner might need an Uber after he was arrested last week for allegedly registering two stretch limos as passenger vehicles.

According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, 60-year-old Jean Sadrack Cetoute of Derrick Adams Lane, West Hempstead was operating at least two limos he owns with illegal registrations. In a release, the DMV said Cetoute allegedly registered the limos as passenger vehicles and was believed to be operating for hire.

Cetoute was charged with two felonies of offering a false instrument for filing, according to the DMV.

The DMV said Cetoute’s 2008 stretch Cadillac Escalade and 2006 stretch Lincoln were falsely registered as passenger vehicles for personal use with a seating capacity of five. DMV also alleged the vehicle had no valid safety or emissions inspections.

Both vehicles and several others found at the West Hempstead home were immobilized by the Department of Transportation, labeled with ‘Out of Service’ decals and are part of the ongoing investigation.

The DMV revoked the vehicle registrations of the stretched Cadillac and Lincoln and contacted New York State Police who seized the plates of both vehicles. The DMV suspended all additional vehicles owned or operated by Cetoute for violations of state Vehicle and Traffic Law. In addition, Cetoute’s driver’s license was suspended pending a safety hearing.

Cetoute was processed by the New York State Police on charges and issued an appearance ticket returnable to Albany County.

To file a limousine safety related complaint, fill out the complaint form or call the toll-free hotline at 833-727-0901.