Four individuals involved in a large-scale auto theft ring were sentenced in federal court for their roles in stealing over 100 high-end vehicles across the United States. The announcement was made by Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, alongside Cardell T. Morant from Homeland Security Investigations, Robert M. DeWitt from the FBI, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department.

The defendants admitted to conspiracy charges related to transporting, possessing, and selling stolen vehicles across state lines. Dewanne Lamar White from Sumter, South Carolina received a 108-month prison sentence followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a stolen motor vehicle. Kevin Ja’Coryen James Fields of Charlotte was sentenced to 96 months with three years supervised release after pleading guilty to interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle. Reginald Eugene Hill, also from Charlotte, received a 60-month sentence with two years supervised release, while Garyka Vaughn Bost from Denver, North Carolina was sentenced to 12 months and a day in prison with two years supervised release.

From 2021 to 2023, the group targeted luxury cars worth millions at dealerships in several states including North Carolina and Arizona. They focused on brands like Bentley and Mercedes-Benz among others. Their methods included swapping key fobs during fake customer visits or using "smash and grab" tactics to steal keys and vehicles.

Court records revealed that after stealing vehicles, they removed tracking systems and altered Vehicle Identification Numbers before selling them locally at reduced prices in Charlotte. The investigation was aided by multiple law enforcement agencies including HSI, FBI, CMPD as well as state partners like the York County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Bozin and Daniel Ryan are handling the prosecution of this case.