# Michigan Man Sentenced for Stealing Audi and Volkswagen Vehicles from Pontiac Silverdome
## Overview of the Case
A Michigan resident, Romane Porter, has been sentenced to nearly eight years in prison for his involvement in the theft of 61 Audi and Volkswagen vehicles from the Pontiac Silverdome in 2017. This incident is linked to the infamous Dieselgate scandal, which affected nearly 500,000 vehicles in the United States.
## The Dieselgate Scandal and Its Impact
The Dieselgate scandal emerged when Volkswagen was found to have installed software in their diesel vehicles that manipulated emissions tests. As a result, the company faced significant logistical challenges in managing the recalled vehicles. The Pontiac Silverdome, once the home of the Detroit Lions, became a temporary holding area for these cars due to its vast parking facilities.
## The Theft Operation
Porter, along with accomplice Daniel Onorati, orchestrated a scheme to steal these vehicles over a six-month period. Once stolen, the cars were transported out of Michigan and sold elsewhere. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan revealed that this operation was not only elaborate but also indicative of a broader issue of auto theft in the region.
## Sentencing Details
In April, a jury found Porter guilty of conspiracy to transport stolen vehicles and the actual transportation of stolen vehicles. U.S. District Judge Denise Page Hood sentenced him to 97 months in prison and ordered him to pay $683,080 in restitution. Following his release, Porter will be under supervised probation for three years.
## Law Enforcement Response
Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan, emphasized the seriousness of the crime, stating, “The sentencing of Romane Porter sends a stark reminder that those individuals who conspire to commit fraud and theft will face the highest penalties under the law.” He also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Auto Theft unit in dismantling this criminal operation.
## A Notable Comparison
Interestingly, Porter received a harsher sentence than Oliver Schmidt, the former general manager of Volkswagen AG’s U.S. Environment and Engineering Office, who was sentenced to 84 months in prison for his role in the Dieselgate scandal. Schmidt also faced a criminal penalty of $400,000.
## Conclusion
The case of Romane Porter serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of auto theft and fraud. As law enforcement continues to crack down on such crimes, it underscores the importance of securing vehicles and holding perpetrators accountable.
For more details on this case, visit [CBS News Detroit](https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/michigan-man-sentenced-to-8-years-in-prison-for-stealing-dozens-of-cars-from-silverdome-lot/).
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