Police: Man Promises to Repair Vehicle, Instead Steals It

An Eagan man is out $825 and a 1997 Mazda Millenia after police say a New Brighton man posing as a mechanic swindled him and stole his vehicle.

Police have issued a warrant for Alan Joseph Dosmann, 25, who faces one felony count of theft by swindle and one felony count of motor vehicle theft for his alleged role in the crime. If convicted of either charge, the man could face a maximum of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Last October, police visited with a Eagan man who claimed he paid Dosmann $825 in cash earlier that year to fix his vehicle's transmission. The victim, who found Dosmann via Craigslist, allowed Dosmann to take the Mazda Millenia back to New Brighton for repairs, according to a criminal complaint filed by the Dakota County Attorney's office.

Instead of repairing and returning the vehicle, police say Dosmann asked for more money and refused to return the victim's car. After numerous attempts to get his vehicle, the victim contacted New Brighton police, who allegedly called the defendant and asked him to return the vehicle. Police say Dosmann never complied with the request.

An Eagan officer spoke with Dosmann, who allegedly told police the victim only gave him $520 to tow and repair the vehicle, and then refused to pay more when the repairs costs came in at a higher rate.

Dosmann also told police he had hired "Mustafa Gardena Towing Co." to return the vehicle after the victim refused to pay, according to the criminal complaint.

Police were unable to confirm the existence of such a towing company, and spoke with the victim, who said he had not seen the car since Dosmann took it in for repairs. Further attempts to contact Dosmann were unsuccessful.