Federal authorities have charged 23 individuals in connection with an interstate car theft ring, according to Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. The indictment details a scheme that allegedly involved stealing vehicles, altering identification numbers, and creating fake titles to sell stolen cars across the country.
Between January 2019 and February 2024, the group is accused of stealing over 175 vehicles, many of which were high-end models taken from airports, dealerships, and assembly plants. "The charges unsealed against these defendants are the direct result of effective collaboration and countless hours of thorough investigative work by dedicated law enforcement professionals," said Frohling.
If convicted on conspiracy charges related to receiving and selling stolen vehicles or tampering with vehicle identification numbers, each defendant could face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Additionally, 21 defendants face charges related to interstate transportation or sale of stolen vehicles, carrying potential penalties of up to ten years in prison.
Three individuals—Diaunte Shields, Brandon Mullins, and Nakiya Wright—face additional charges for using interstate commerce for fictitious obligations. If found guilty on these counts, they could receive sentences of up to 25 years.
Shields and Lashawn Davis Jr. are also charged with drug trafficking crimes that carry mandatory minimums of ten years in prison. Wright faces an aggravated identity theft charge with a mandatory two-year sentence if convicted.
FBI Milwaukee Special Agent Michael Hensle noted that this operation involved "a complex operation" impacting multiple states. "In Wisconsin," he added, "this organization is responsible for drug trafficking multiple kilogram quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl."
Jason Bushey from IRS Criminal Investigation highlighted the financial aspects: "These defendants didn’t just take vehicles—they exploited people’s identities...and laundered illegal profits through sophisticated schemes."
Milwaukee County Sheriff Denita R. Ball emphasized local involvement: "This group took advantage of innocent people...Their actions were calculated and callous."
The investigation was a collaborative effort involving several agencies under Operation Strike Out as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kate Biebel and Philip T. Kovoor are handling prosecution duties.
The public is reminded that an indictment is merely a charge; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
