Roger B. Handberg, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida
United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg has announced the indictment of Michel Serrano, Julio Sanchez, and Angel Mares for their alleged involvement in a theft organization targeting luxury vehicles. The charges include conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen motor vehicles and the sale and possession of stolen motor vehicles. Serrano faces additional charges of interstate transportation of stolen motor vehicles. If convicted on all counts, Serrano could face up to 10 years in federal prison, while Sanchez and Mares each face a maximum penalty of 5 years.
The indictment outlines that from June 2020 through May 2021, the defendants and their co-conspirators stole high-end vehicles across Florida from various locations including car dealerships and residential areas. They allegedly altered Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) before transporting the stolen vehicles across state lines with the intent to sell them. The stolen vehicles were then sold with an option for buyers to obtain full vehicle registration and title in California for an additional fee. Payment was reportedly made through cash and checks.
The legal process continues as an indictment is a formal charge indicating violations of federal law; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Florida Highway Patrol, several local sheriff's offices, police departments in Florida, the California Highway Patrol, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany E. Fields will prosecute the case.
