The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland has unsealed a 22-count indictment against Charles Edwards Madden, 39, from New Carrolton, Maryland, and Michael R. Bourne, 33, from New York, New York. The charges include conspiracy to commit wire fraud, operating a chop shop, sale or receipt of stolen vehicles, and trafficking in motor vehicles with altered vehicle identification numbers (VINs).
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment alongside Steven J. Jensen from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Washington Field Office and Chief George Nader of the Prince George’s County Police Department.
The indictment alleges that between January 2020 and June 2024, Madden and Bourne conspired to buy and sell stolen vehicles across the United States. They are accused of altering VINs to hide their activities from law enforcement.
Madden and Bourne allegedly combined parts from salvaged vehicles to resell them in Maryland and other locations without disclosing prior damage or salvage status to buyers. During this period, they reportedly acquired stolen vehicles worth over $1 million.
If convicted on all counts, Madden and Bourne face up to 20 years in federal prison for wire fraud conspiracy. Additional charges could lead to a maximum of 10 years each for selling or receiving stolen vehicles and trafficking in motor vehicle parts. Madden also faces up to 15 years for operating a chop shop.
Sentences are typically less than maximum penalties as determined by a federal district court judge who considers various guidelines.
It is important to note that an indictment is not proof of guilt; individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended both the FBI and PGPD for their investigative efforts. She also acknowledged Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan S. McKoy along with Trial Attorneys Amy Schwartz and Alyssa Levey-Weinstein who are prosecuting this case.
Further information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office can be found at justice.gov/usao-md.
