Any person who knowingly buys, receives, disposes of, sells, offers for sale, or has in his possession any motor vehicle, or engine removed from a motor vehicle, from which the manufacturer's serial or engine number or other distinguishing number or identification mark or number placed thereon under assignment from the commissioner has been removed, defaced, covered, altered, or destroyed for the purpose of concealing or misrepresenting the identity of said motor vehicle or engine is guilty of a misdemeanor.
La. R.S. § 32:725