Utah
California And Utah Are Finally Cracking Down On Their Rich Residents Who Register Supercars In Montana To Avoid Paying Taxes – Jalopnik
If you’re anything like us here at Jalopnik, then you’re tired of watching the ultra-wealthy exploiting loopholes to avoid paying their fair share of the taxes that you and I pay, whether it’s dodging income tax, or dodging sales tax on million-dollar supercar registrations. The U.S. Treasury estimates that the richest 1% of U.S. citizens underpay their taxes by $163 billion every year, and though the Montana car registration loophole might not equate to as much in skipped taxes, it’s yet another way that the rampant income inequality in our country is intensified. All that wealthy car owners have to do is spend around $1,000 to open an LLC in Montana, then use the LLC to purchase a car with no sales tax — and said car is not subject to vehicle inspections or emissions testing.
This tactic isn’t employed by one or two people; as of 2023, there were 2.3 million vehicles registered in the state of Montana, though there are only 879,000 licensed drivers in the state. That comes out to 2.68 vehicles per licensed Montanan, which is by far the highest vehicle-to-driver ratio in the United States, and more than double the national average according to Bloomberg. And it gets worse.
The numbers don’t add up
Looking at publicly available data from the Montana Motor Vehicle Division, Bloomberg Tax found that there were 10,757 registrations of vehicles made by Aston Martin, Bentley, Bugatti, Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Pagani, and Rolls Royce in 2024. When looking at Washington state’s 2024 registrations from the same automakers, a state that has seven times the population of Montana, just 2,479 were registered.
5,281 Ferraris were registered in Montana in 2024, compared to just 837 in Washington, a state that’s home to 10 Fortune 500 companies. Washington has 7.81 million residents, and Montana has just 1.13 million, yet we’re supposed to believe that Montana had over five times the number of Ferrari registrations? Okay, sure.
That’s not the only glaring statistic. Washington had 0 Bugatti registrations in 2024, while Montana had 131. Montana had 1,966 Lamborghini registrations in 2023 while Washington had 340. 920 Rolls-Royces were registered in Montana compared to 155 in Washington. According to Bloomberg, former Montana revenue director Dan Bucks said there are likely more than 600,000 vehicles registered in Montana but operated in other states.
California and Utah are finally fighting back
The state of California is home to more cars than any other state in The Union, and its DMV says 10,000 vehicles worth nearly $2 billion were sold by California dealers to Montana LLCs since 2022. As a native Angeleno, I often see million-dollar hypercars at shows and on the streets sporting Montana plates, so what’s the Golden State going to do about it? Apparently, the DMV is now using surveillance systems and plate readers along state roadways to search for vehicles with Montana plates and find registration violators and tax evaders.
Utah is taking even more drastic measures to put an end to this way that the rich are getting out of paying the same taxes as everyone else. Bloomberg reports,
“Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (R) signed a law on March 25 launching the most ambitious enforcement campaign in the country—a data-sharing arrangement to locate and assess tens of thousands of Utah tax evaders, with a particular focus on the owners of cars and boats registered in Montana. Supporters say the effort could yield up to $100 million in back taxes, penalties and registration fees.
This is really an abuse of our tax system,” said Utah tax commissioner John Valentine. “They pay nothing to support our state, just a small fee to Montana for the opportunity to evade taxes in Utah.”
Two wrongs don’t make a right
In Montana, several businesses have formed to aid the ultra wealthy with their tax evasion, including “tax jails” and consultants to help people through the necessary processes. Bloomberg cites a Florida business called Dirt Legal that publicly advertises that it has formed Montana LLCs for nearly 47,000 customers across every state. It appears these businesses have no shame about their immoral ways; Dirt Legal has customer testimonials on its site including one Bloomberg cited that reads,
“”Dirt Legal made registering my new 2024 Mercedes AMG GLE coupe seamless, saving me around $6k in taxes—an absolute no brainer!” read a February online posting from someone identified as Tyler F.”
If the tax evaders trying to take advantage of the Montana plate loophole happens to live in a state like California that requires vehicles to be delivered and kept out of state for a minimum of 12 months, that’s where “tax jails” come in handy. These tax jails are warehouses and storage facilities that store and care for these often exceedingly valuable vehicles in the state of Montana for the necessary amount of time to maintain legality when they’re eventually shipped to the state that their owners actually live.
In most states, this shady practice is not technically illegal
California has a law that says residents don’t owe sales tax on vehicles if they’re delivered to another state and kept there for at least 12 months before being brought into California. The California Department of Motor Vehicles is using its plate readers to find vehicles with Montana license plates and investigate whether the vehicle spent 12 months outside of California before it entered the state. If the DMV finds that the vehicle didn’t get delivered and spend the legally required 12 months outside of the state, the owner may be fined. Florida has a similar law that requires vehicles spend 6 months outside of the state, and Arizona has a similar 90-day rule. Since implementing the surveillance tactics, California DMV investigators say they have collected $1.6 million in taxes, registration fees, and penalties on 62 vehicles. As far as Utah goes, Bloomberg reports,
“Cox signed SB 52 last month, and the state launched plans for a comprehensive enforcement initiative that will cross-check data from the Tax Commission and the state’s Uninsured Motorist Identification Database to create a list of names and home addresses of potential tax scofflaws.
After a public awareness campaign this year, violators will have 60 days to remit unpaid sales taxes and registration fees for vehicles and vessels plated outside of Utah. Failure to voluntarily comply could mean enhanced enforcement and penalties.”
Here’s the problem
We live in a society that values money over everything else, and despite having more money than the other 99% of society, the wealthiest 1% can leverage their absurd wealth by paying someone to make sure that every move they make is as lucrative as possible. Capitalism dictates that those who “earn” their way into obscene wealth through “hard work,” and definitely not through nepotism, exploitation, or generational wealth, shouldn’t have to waste their “hard earned” money on the rest of the country that doesn’t make as much money as them.
The taxes that these folks are evading exist to fund public works projects like roadway management, upkeep, and projects to minimize the environmental impact of cars. These people then drive their cars on the very roads whose upkeep they opted out of funding, despite having such vast surpluses of money that they can afford to drop a couple million dollars on a Bugatti, pay to form an LLC in Montana, pay to have it stored for a year, then pay to have it shipped to their home in Malibu so they can pay to insure it, maintain it, and fuel it. All while citizens with average incomes who struggle to make ends meet end up paying their state taxes every year. Sure there are ways to do this that don’t technically break any laws, but they are immoral, unjust, and slimy. It actively makes life worse for everyone else in their state who breathes air, drives or ever uses roads, because multimillionaire John P. Moneybags decided that it’s more important for him to save a few grand on his million-dollar Ferrari than it is to pay his fair share to maintain the roads he drives said Ferrari on.
Let us know in the comments below, are you as enraged by this as me? Or do you, like the noble Jordan Belfort, choose rich every freaking time and think it’s a smart way to save money?
SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Earlier this month, 2News Investigates brought you a former inmate’s federal lawsuit alleging Utah Department of Corrections leaders failed to address reports of alleged sexual assault by correctional officers. Now, 2News Investigates examines another key claim in that lawsuit.
MORE: Federal lawsuit alleges Utah prison leaders covered up guards’ sexual assaults on inmates
The lawsuit alleges a mass cross-gender strip-search operation – women being viewed by men was intended to further silence female inmates.
Federal law generally prohibits cross-gender strip searches of female inmates except during emergencies or when conducted by medical personnel. UDC says that during body-search procedures, male correctional officers are not allowed in the immediate area and inmate privacy is maintained. Former inmates say that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Three former inmates agreed to speak with 2News Investigates but asked that their identities not be revealed.
“It was very traumatic.”
According to the lawsuit, on May 13, 2025, UDC carried out a large-scale operation known as a “reset” in women’s housing units at the Utah State Correctional Facility (USCF) in Salt Lake City.
Wendy: “They call it a reset. What do you call it?”
“A violation.”
“It’s like a rape.”
The lawsuit alleges UDC Deputy Warden Derick Zorn and Warden Sharon D’Amico directed the operation, along with more than a dozen members of the Critical Incident Response Team, or CIRT.
According to the plaintiffs, officers stormed dormitories, shouted profanities, and issued conflicting commands.
The women say and the lawsuit states they were ordered to pack their belongings into totes and change into state-issued uniforms in front of male CIRT officers. They were then marched to the Emerald Building for processing.
“It felt almost like we were at a concentration camp.”
The lawsuit alleges the women were required to undergo body scans and then strip completely naked. Plaintiffs claim they were ordered to lift their breasts, spread their buttocks, and cough while visible to male staff.
Women who were menstruating allegedly were instructed to remove menstrual products in full view of others.
“Just use one hand to remove it. Hold it up in front of you.”
“I felt really small and worthless.”
The lawsuit alleges some women were forced to hold soiled menstrual pads while performing physical maneuvers.
“I just did what I was told. I just wanted to get it over with.”
The plaintiffs also claim they were required to sit on toilets or squat to provide urine samples while completely naked and visible to male officers.
“It was humiliating. It was degrading.”
The lawsuit further alleges cell doors were left open, exposing naked women to other inmates and male staff.
An overhead observation booth with reflective glass overlooked the strip-search area. Plaintiffs say they observed movement inside and believed they were being watched from above.
The lawsuit alleges the female inmates were being watched from above during a mass strip search on May 13, 2025
“I could see in the overhead, the two-way mirror. There were multiple men walking around up there who had direct vision inside those cells.”
The lawsuit alleges Captain Jared Beers and Lieutenant Matthew Coombs were inside the booth and that Deputy Warden Derick Zorn observed women in various states of undress.
“I made eye contact with Officer Arroyo, and I also saw Deputy Zorn.”
“I knew if I could see the male officers, they could see me.”
One former inmate described the experience as state-sanctioned sexual violence.
“When that happens, and you’ve gone through the same kind of thing as a child, it’s very traumatic.”
The lawsuit alleges Warden D’Amico knew male officers were viewing naked female inmates and “ratified, condoned, and failed to stop it.”
An allegation in the lawsuit filed on May 15, 2026
“You’re pretty much a hostage.”
UDC Executive Director Jared Garcia declined repeated requests for an on-camera interview. A letter sent said:
“During the body search process in female living areas, male correctional officers are not allowed in the immediate area, and privacy is maintained. In general, resets are conducted routinely, according to UDC policy and under strict protocols designed to ensure safety while also preserving the privacy and dignity of incarcerated individuals.”
“The manner matters.”
Walter Mason represents the plaintiffs.
He told 2News Investigates, “The law protects inmates from being exposed to members of the opposite sex viewing their naked bodies unless there’s an emergency. Unless there’s what the law calls an exigent circumstance, the prison can take necessary actions to protect safety. There was no emergency. There was no exigency.”
UDC says the reset involved approximately 150 trained staff members and was conducted according to department policy.
UDC’s letter goes on to say:
“Every effort was made to treat belongings with care and document confiscated items appropriately. UDC stands by our methods and policies, which are intended to maintain the highest standards of integrity, safety, and efficiency during the reset process.”
Written response from the Utah Department of Corrections regarding 2News investigations
I asked UDC whether any exigent circumstances existed on May 13, 2025, during the reset operation.
The response:
“No exigent circumstances occurred on May 13, 2025.”
I also requested information about what items were confiscated. UDC said it could not provide a specific list.
Response to questions posed by 2News Investigates to UDC regarding mass strip search and if exigent circumstances existed that day
The lawsuit seeks a jury trial and accuses the defendants, all supervisors, of participating in a “coordinated effort to humiliate, mock, and psychologically degrade the plaintiffs … operating with a brazen and intentional disregard for clearly established law, fueled by an institutional custom of impunity.”
_____
Utah
Utah Royals FC Announce the Addition of Assistant Coach Jessie van den Broek to 2026 Coaching Staff | Utah Royals
HERRIMAN, Utah – (Thursday, June 25, 2026) – URFC announced today the addition of assistant coach Jessie van den Broek to the 2026 technical staff.
The Dutchwoman brings experience from several levels of soccer across Europe. Her coaching journey has steadily progressed through commitment to player development, making her a strong addition to the Royals as the club continues to build for the future.
After gaining coaching experience at various levels, van den Broek made the jump to professional soccer in Germany’s Bundesliga, joining as an assistant coach and second in command to head coach Robert de Pauw and helping to support the club in its sixth place finish during the 2023-24 season. After a year and a half in Germany, she followed de Pauw to England, joining the coaching staff of Aston Villa Women, continuing to expand her experience in one of Europe’s top leagues.
In 2025, van den Broek returned to her native country of the Netherlands to join the coaching staff of HERA United, the country’s first stand-alone women’s soccer club. Her work with HERA United further strengthened her coaching abilities and her dedication to the women’s game. Following the conclusion of the club’s season in May 2026, she has now accepted her first position overseas, joining the Utah Royals, bringing the international experience and diverse coaching background with her.
Away from the pitch, van den Broek attended Radbound University in the Netherlands, earning a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration. She also earned an A Licence through the Union of European Football Associations in 2025. Her combination of education and coaching credentials, along with her experience in Germany, England and the Netherlands gives Utah Royals FC a coach with high-level experience and a proven commitment to the game of women’s soccer.
The Royals return to NWSL play on July 5 to take on the Chicago Stars at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium with kickoff set for 3:00 p.m. MT. The match is available to watch on CBS Sports Network and KMYU.
Edwin Munk Woolley died on June 19, 2026, in a canyoneering accident in Zero Gravity canyon in the San Rafael Swell in Southern Utah. He was born October 28, 1974, in Salt Lake City, Utah to James and Jeanette Woolley. The youngest of four children, he exemplified all the best qualities of the baby in the family: funny, adaptable, sociable, and adventurous.
Growing up, he skied as soon as he could walk, excelled at Zim-Zam, roamed the Federal Heights foothills and threw snowballs at passing cars with his pack of life-long friends. Although his high school attendance record was less than stellar, he was a proud and committed member of the East High Leopard hockey team. Hockey was a huge part of his life and he cherished playing on a late-night team with some of his closest friends.
A life-long Utah enthusiast, he graduated from the University of Utah and lived in the Millcreek area of Salt Lake City. He served a faithful mission in Rome, Itay for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. There he gained a love and appreciation for everything Italian, people, culture and especially the food. He built his career in various roles at Goldman Sach’s Salt Lake bank. He married Whitney Scott in the Salt Lake temple in 2006 and they had four children. Eddie’s family was the greatest joy of his life. He was a deeply engaged husband and father. He treasured his wife and cherished his children, supporting their pursuits and encouraging them through times good and bad.
Eddie was an excellent athlete and took full advantage of Utah’s outdoor opportunities. He was an expert skier, water-skier, and mountain biker. He also loved riding dirt bikes and helicopter-skied across the globe; he generally reveled in all things outdoors. He particularly loved introducing his children to all his activities, encouraging them with patience, humor, and occasionally a firm nudge.
He was an avid sports fan, cheering on the Utes, Mammoth and Dallas Cowboys and would follow a variety of professional teams and players, but only those who lived up to his exacting standards. As a devoted hockey fan, he was delighted when Salt Lake acquired a team and had strong opinions on name selection. Some of his favorite times were cheering on the Mammoths with his kids, all of whom he managed to convert into fans.
While he loved all the wild places, Snowbird, Southern Utah, and Hebgen Lake, Montana were favorites. Southern Utah brought adventure and challenge, while Hebgen meant water-skiing, boating, and meaningful time with family and friends. One of Eddie’s greatest passions in life was teaching his kids how to ski at his beloved ski resort, Snowbird. Eddie had a season pass at Snowbird ever since he was four years old.
Eddie had a gift for finding common ground and connection with everyone he met. He gave the good Samaritan a run for his money, always jumping in to help without reservation or complaint. He was up for any challenge, always with a positive, can-do attitude. He found purpose and comfort in the church and served admirably in many callings.
Eddie is survived by his adored wife, Whitney Scott Woolley, his four children, Sadie (17), Spencer (14), Savanna (9), and Lewis (7) Woolley, and his father James Woolley. In addition, his siblings (Sue, Calvin, and Camille), in-laws (Brad and Kathy Scott), nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends are bereft at the loss of his buoyant presence and will always treasure his memory.
Viewings will be held on Friday, June 26, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday, June 27, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Canyon Rim Stake Center, 3051 S. 2900 E., Salt Lake City, Utah 84109. Funeral services will be held at the Canyon Rim Stake Center on Saturday, June 27, at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E. 1300 S., Salt Lake City, Utah.
A livestream of the funeral services can be accessed via the following link: Zoom Link
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