Thursday, October 16, 2014

Two Arrested In Chop Shop Operation

CLEWISTON, FL. -- Two men were arrested for the operation of a chop shop in rural Hendry county, Florida after an investigation by both Monroe County and Hendry county investigators.

On Tuesday, October 14, Hendry County Sheriff’s Office received a call from Monroe County Sheriff’s Office requesting assistance in locating a stolen vehicle in the Pioneer Plantation area.

Monroe County Detectives stated that on October 6, 2014 the owner of a 1999 Chevrolet truck reported his truck had been stolen from Key Largo, Florida. On October 14, 2014, the victim searched Craigslist classified ads and came across an aluminum fuel tank that he positively identified as the one installed in the back of the truck that had been stolen. The victim then called and spoke with a man who identified himself as Wayne who told him that the fuel tank was located at 4450 Pioneer 16th Street, in Clewiston, Florida. The victim then contacted Monroe County Sheriff’s Detectives and provided them with the information he had received, in turn Monroe County officials requested we assist in the possible recovery of this property.

When Hendry County Deputies arrived at 4450 Pioneer 16th Street, they made contact with 49 year old Mitchell Wayne Everett, 4450 Pioneer 16th Street and 49 year old Ernesto Gutierrez Garcia, of Hialeah, Florida. Everett allowed Hendry County Investigators onto their property and once there, Investigators discovered that the men were operating a Chop Shop at the Pioneer location. Investigators located various tools, miscellaneous vehicle parts and accessories.

During the investigation Hendry County Investigators were able to identify and confirm that 8 ATV’s, boats, and vehicles found on this property had been reported stolen from Miami Dade Police Department, Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Pembroke Pines Police Department, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. The vehicles recovered were towed to a secure location for further processing.

Mitchell Wayne Everett was taken into custody and charged with numerous counts of Possession of Vehicle with Altered Numbers, Grand Theft of Motor Vehicle, Dealing in Stolen Property, Owning and Operating or Aid and Abet a Chop Shop. He is currently being held on $250,000.00 bond.

Ernesto Gutierrez Garcia, of 3205 NW 103RD Street, Hialeah, Florida was arrested and charged with numerous counts of Possession of Vehicle with Altered Numbers, Grand Theft of Motor Vehicle, Dealing in Stolen Property, Owning and Operating or Aid and Abet a Chop Shop. He was additionally charged with an Out of County Warrant for Violation of Probation. Garcia is currently being held with no bond.

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