Multi-Million Dollar Car Theft Ring in Charlotte, NC
Summary:Five individuals have been charged in connection with a multi-million dollar car theft ring based in Charlotte, North Carolina. The suspects, identified as Kevin Fields, Hosea Hampton, Reginald Hill, Garyka Bost, and Dewanne White, were involved in a three-year operation that spanned several states. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of North Carolina announced the charges.
Details:The car theft ring operated on an extensive scale, with stolen vehicles originating from various states including the Carolinas, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Arizona. The stolen vehicles, which included high-end brands like Bentley, BMW, Porsche, Land Rover, and Mercedes-Benz, as well as more common brands like Cadillac, Dodge, and Ford, were then transported back to Charlotte and sold at significantly reduced prices.
The suspects employed various methods to carry out the thefts, including posing as customers during test drives and exchanging key fobs, as well as orchestrating smash-and-grab operations where multiple vehicles were stolen simultaneously. Additionally, the group reportedly removed GPS detection systems from the stolen cars to prevent tracking.
The charges highlight the audacity of engaging in such criminal activities given the advanced tracking technology available for modern vehicles. The risk, however, appeared to be outweighed by the potential gains, as the theft ring reportedly amassed millions of dollars from their operations.
