Man linked to Revere body shop scam flees

BOSTON – A Lynn man was arraigned in absentia Monday for his alleged role in a Revere-based scam to obtain phony titles for salvaged automobiles.Bernaldo Hernandez, 47, of Lynn, fled following his indictment in Suffolk Superior Court and, as a result, was not present at his arraignment in the magistrate’s session. A warrant was issued for his arrest, according to Jake Wark, spokesman for the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.Two other suspects arrested in conjunction with the crime, State Trooper Robert Forrest Jr. of Stoneham and Kenneth LaFauci, 52, of Topsfield, owner of Brothers Auto Body in Revere, have already been arraigned. Both were released on personal recognizance pending their next court appearance April 15.Court testimony indicated LaFauci ran the operation from his auto body shop and that Hernandez was an associate. A State Police sting operation caught the pair splitting a $1,000 payment from an automobile owner who needed a salvage title. Forrest allegedly provided the fraudulent necessary vehicle documentation, sight unseen, for which he was paid $50, according to statements made in court.Assistant District Attorney Nicholas Walsh is prosecuting the case.