Car theft ring busted as stolen vehicles traced from DC to Ghana
Washington, DC — A year-long investigation into a vehicle theft operation has led to federal charges against six individuals accused of stealing cars across multiple states and shipping them overseas to buyers in Ghana.
A 15-count indictment unsealed Wednesday in U.S. District Court outlines a conspiracy involving at least 20 stolen vehicles taken from the Washington metropolitan area and Pennsylvania. Investigators say the operation may be tied to more than 100 vehicle thefts in Washington, DC, and over 30 additional thefts in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
According to the indictment, the group targeted newer model vehicles, including Honda Civics, Honda CRVs, Acura TLXs, and Acura RDXs. The stolen cars were allegedly transported to storage locations, including a parking garage in Southeast Washington, where their appearances were altered by switching license plates and concealing vehicle identification numbers.
Authorities say the group used electronic devices to reprogram vehicles, allowing them to operate with blank key fobs. Before moving the vehicles, GPS and Bluetooth systems were disabled to reduce the risk of tracking.
The indictment names five defendants: Jacob Hernandez, 29, of Los Angeles; Dustin Wetzel, 23, of Woodbridge, Virginia; James Young, 23, of Hyattsville, Maryland; Khobe David, 24, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; and Chance Clark, 25, of Waldorf, Maryland. A sixth individual remains at large, with charges filed under seal.
Investigators also executed a search warrant at an automobile storage facility in Decatur, Georgia, believed to be connected to the operation.
All defendants are charged with conspiracy to possess, transport, and sell stolen motor vehicles. The case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department, the FBI Washington Field Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, with assistance from Prince George’s County Police.
Key Points
- Six individuals charged in multi-state car theft conspiracy
- Stolen vehicles allegedly shipped overseas to Ghana
- Investigation links group to more than 100 thefts in DC