(A) A person is guilty of obscuring the identity of a machine when he or she:
(1) Removes, defaces, covers, alters, destroys or otherwise obscures the manufacturers serial number or any other distinguishing identification number or mark upon any automobile or other propelled vehicle, machine, or electrical or mechanical device with intent to render it unidentifiable; or
(2) Possesses for the purpose of sale in the course of business any automobile or other propelled vehicle, machine, or electrical or mechanical device knowing that the serial number or other identification number or mark has been removed, defaced, covered, altered destroyed or otherwise obscured.
(B) Possession of any automobile or other propelled vehicle, machine or electrical device held for sale in the course of business on which the serial number or any other distinguishing identification number or mark has been removed, defaced, covered, altered, destroyed or otherwise obscured is prima facie evidence of knowledge of the fact.
(C) A report by the defendant to the police or other appropriate government agency prior to arrest or authorization of a warrant by a court is a defense to a charge of violating division (A)(2) above.
(D) Obscuring the identity of a machine is a Class A misdemeanor.
(KRS 514.120) (1980 Code, § 1020.5-13)