Spokane licensing agent under investigation

A vehicle licensing agent in Spokane is under criminal investigation for a series of irregularities in transactions with vehicle owners, Spokane County Auditor Vicky Dalton said today. Al Paulsen Licensing Inc. at 5202 N. Market St. has been shut down after money was found missing in the transactions, and the agency is under criminal investigation, Dalton said. The case has been turned over to Spokane police. “It’s not just one transaction, it’s multiple transactions,” Dalton said. “There may be criminal charges come out of it.” She said victims may include both the state, which licenses vehicles and collects fees, but also vehicle owners who sought various types of licenses. The Paulsen agency was one of nine satellite locations authorized by the auditor for processing licenses and license renewals before it was shut down. Eight locations remain open, as well as the county licensing office at 1116 W. Broadway Ave. at the county Courthouse.