KRS 514.120: Obscuring identity of machine or other property.

(1) A person is guilty of obscuring the identity of a machine or other property when he

or she:

(a) Removes, defaces, covers, alters, destroys, or otherwise obscures the

manufacturer's serial number or any other distinguishing identification number

or mark, in cluding property marked with a Social Security number or motor

vehicle operator's license number for identification purposes, upon any

automobile or other propelled vehicle, machine, or electrical or mechanical

device, or other property, including any part thereof, with intent to render it or

other property unidentifiable; or

(b) Possesses any automobile or other propelled vehicle, machine, or electrical or

mechanical device, or other property, including any part thereof, knowing that

the serial number or o ther identification number or mark, including property

marked with a Social Security number for identification purposes, has been

removed, defaced, covered, altered, destroyed, or otherwise obscured.

(2) Possession of any automobile or other propelled vehi cle, machine, or electrical or

mechanical device, or other property, including any part thereof, on which the serial

number or any other distinguishing identification number or mark, including

property marked with a Social Security number or motor vehicle operator's license

number for identification purposes, has been removed, defaced, covered, altered,

destroyed, or otherwise obscured is prima facie evidence of knowledge of that fact.

(3) A person in possession of any property which is otherwise in violati on of this

section may apply in writing to the Department of Kentucky State Police, through

any law enforcement agency in the county of his or her residence, for assignment of

a number for the property providing he or she can show that he or she is the law ful

owner of the property pursuant to the provisions of this section and KRS 16.200 and

500.090. If a number is issued in conformity with the provisions of this section and

KRS 16.200 and 500.090, then the person to whom it was issued and any person to

whom the property is lawfully disposed of shall not be in violation of these sections.

A person lawfully holding a certification issued pursuant to KRS 500.090 shall also

be deemed in compliance with this section. This section shall apply only when the

application has been filed by the defendant prior to arrest or authorization of a

warrant of arrest for the defendant by a court.

(4) Obscuring the identity of a machine or other property is a Class A misdemeanor

unless the value of the property is:

(a) Five hun dred dollars ($500) or more but less than ten thousand dollars

($10,000), in which case it is a Class D felony; or

(b) Ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or more, in which case it is a Class C felony.