Latest news with #MacombAutoTheftSquad
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Yahoo
Over $1.5 Million In Cadillac Escalades Stolen From A Factory Storage Lot
Read the full story on The Auto Wire We've seen some pretty big heists out of factory storage lots, but a theft ring apparently snagged $1.5 million in Cadillac Escalades recently, which is shocking. So far, only one suspect has been arrested as authorities try to hunt down the other man, 24-year-old Deon Brooks, was recently arrested after the Macomb Auto Theft Squad started investigating the criminal organization back in December. He's been hit with a single felony charge of conducting a criminal enterprise, which can carry a 20-year prison sentence, reports Detroit Free Press. Through the investigation, authorities were able to track down at least some of the Escalades, which were the high-end V models, finding they had been sold to individuals outside of Michigan. Investigators concluded Brooks or someone else in the theft ring cloned VINs, replacing the original tags, to obscure the origin of the luxury SUVs. In other words, the people who bought the Cadillacs probably didn't know they were stolen. Sadly, those people will be out the vehicle and their money. The organization pocketed a huge profit on each sale. Considering the SUVs were brand new and MSRP starts at just over $90,000 it's not hard to imagine just how much money they made in no time. Factory storage lots have become like candy dispensers for car thieves in recent years. While automakers have upgraded security at many of the lots, thieves are always trying to find a way around those measures. After all, the financial incentive is huge. What's interesting about Brooks is he reportedly is already out on bond for another case where he allegedly took a car for a test drive and never returned it. In other words, the guy seemingly has a habit of stealing vehicles. Image via Cadillac Join our Newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube page, and follow us on Facebook.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Yahoo
Macomb authorities arrest suspect in $1.5 million Cadillac crime ring
Macomb County authorities have arrested a Warren man, alleging that he stole several high-end Cadillacs from a General Motors lot in Warren. Deon Brooks, 24, is accused of participating in an ongoing criminal operation, which the Macomb Auto Theft Squad began investigating in December. Detectives linked Brooks to multiple stolen vehicles from a lot on Van Dyke Avenue that, together, authorities valued at more than $1.5 million, according to a county sheriff's office press release and its spokeswoman. The stolen vehicles were brand new, awaiting shipment to dealerships or corporate loaner cars, Sheriff's Office Spokeswoman Jennifer Putney told the Free Press. She later indicated the Cadillacs were the Escalade V. Brooks' bond was set at $2 million during arraignment Wednesday in 37th District Court in Warren, according to the sheriff's office and the court. Brooks is charged with one count of conducting a criminal enterprise, a 20-year felony. He pleaded not guilty in court. His bond conditions include wearing a GPS tether if he is released from the county jail, where he was being held Wednesday, according the court and online jail records. No attorney was listed for him in online court records. Detectives allege that Brooks "retagged" the vehicles with cloned vehicle identification numbers and sold them out of state for a large profit, though authorities did not provide a specific dollar amount. As part of the investigation, authorities seized several printers, retagging equipment, fraudulent secretary of state documents, methamphetamine, jewelry and a Chrysler Pacifica. The release indicated Brooks was arrested Tuesday. Brooks' probable cause conference is slated for March 20 and his preliminary exam is scheduled for March 27. The investigation continues into other suspects who may be linked to Brooks. The sheriff's office release indicates Brooks also is on bond in 42-1 District Court in Romeo on charges regarding unlawful driving away of an automobile from dealerships in Washington Township in February 2024. His next hearing in that court is set for April 8, according online court records. Jackie Charniga covers General Motors for the Free Press. Reach her at jcharniga@ This is a developing story and may be updated. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Macomb authorities arrest suspect in $1.5 million Cadillac crime ring
