Denver District Attorney’s Office Indicts 17 in Major Vehicle Theft Ring
Denver, CO — In a significant crackdown on vehicle theft, the Denver District Attorney’s Office announced on Monday the indictment of 17 individuals allegedly involved in a major auto theft operation spanning the Denver metro area. The grand jury returned a comprehensive 222-count indictment, primarily under the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act (COCCA), with over 100 charges related to auto theft and multiple counts concerning drug possession and distribution.
District Attorney Beth McCann detailed the results of an extensive year-long collaborative investigation involving several federal, state, and local agencies. "This investigation unveiled a stolen car ring that targeted the Denver area," she said.
Investigators allege that from September 2022 to February 2024, the defendants stole at least 190 vehicles, with the majority taken between May and October 2023. The operation reportedly favored larger pickup trucks and high-end SUVs, which were then smuggled across the U.S.-Mexico border and sold to drug cartels in exchange for illegal drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl.
"This network specifically targeted vehicles desired by Mexico-based drug trafficking organizations, which can be modified for illicit activities," stated DEA Special Agent in Charge David Olesky. The theft ring exploited Denver’s geographical advantages, utilizing its international airport and interconnected highways for swift vehicle movements.
Currently, 11 of the 17 defendants are in custody, while others allegedly have connections to cartel members located in Mexico. Denver International Airport reported 716 vehicle thefts between January and November 2023, marking the location as a target for auto thieves.
Officials emphasized an ongoing commitment to enhancing security measures at the airport to protect travelers’ vehicles. The investigation underscores the ongoing battle against organized crime and its impacts on local communities and law enforcement efforts.
Source
Photo credit www.denver7.com