Federal authorities have charged 23 individuals in connection with an alleged interstate car theft ring. Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced the unsealing of a second superseding indictment against these defendants. The group is accused of stealing and directing others to steal motor vehicles across the nation from January 2019 to February 2024.
The defendants allegedly engaged in various illegal activities including altering vehicle identification numbers, creating fake motor vehicle titles, and selling stolen vehicles for money and drugs. Over 175 stolen cars, many described as “high end,” were linked to this operation. Some vehicles were reportedly stolen from airports such as Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport, car dealerships, and assembly plants.
“The charges unsealed against these defendants are the direct result of effective collaboration and countless hours of thorough investigative work by dedicated law enforcement professionals,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Frohling.
If convicted on conspiracy charges, each defendant faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Twenty-one of the defendants also face charges related to interstate transportation or sale of stolen vehicles which could lead to up to ten years in prison if convicted.
Diaunte Shields, Brandon Mullins, and Nakiya Wright face additional charges related to fictitious obligations with potential penalties reaching 25 years imprisonment. Shields and Lashawn Davis Jr. also face drug trafficking charges that carry mandatory minimum sentences of ten years up to life imprisonment.
Michael Hensle, FBI Milwaukee Special Agent in Charge, highlighted the extensive nature of the criminal organization responsible for significant losses through high-end vehicle thefts since 2019.
Jason Bushey from IRS Criminal Investigation emphasized the complexity of the operation involving identity theft and financial fraud. Sheriff Denita R. Ball noted that this was more than just car theft but involved exploiting people’s identities.
This investigation was conducted by multiple agencies including the FBI, National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), IRS-CI, Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, Wheaton Police Department (IL), among others under Operation Strike Out within OCDETF.
Assistant United States Attorneys Kate Biebel and Philip T. Kovoor are prosecuting this case. It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
