Multi-location chop shop operation leads to arrests, police announce
A multi-agency, multi-location chop shop operations leads to three arrests, currency found, vehicles found, and multiple investigations.
Columbus Police Department’s Special Operations Unit conducted a joint operation with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency that included five search warrants served at five separate locations in Columbus, Georgia; Phenix City, Alabama; Fort Mitchell, Alabama; and Marion County, Georgia.
“The two warrants for Columbus Georgia were served by the Columbus Police Department’s Special Operation Unit,” police said. “These two locations included an automotive shop in the 600 block of Veteran’s Parkway and a single-family residence in the 6500 block of Forrest Road.”
This investigation involved the production of fake Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN). Investigators discovered that vehicles had been stolen and were being re-titled with falsified documents and resold to the public.
During the operations in Columbus Georgia, several stolen items were recovered from both locations. Over $47,000 in cash, as well as several thousands of dollars in property to include rifles, handguns, forged titles, vehicles, and VIN plate altering equipment was recovered from this criminal enterprise.
Corderal Adravius Harris was charged with buy, sell, etc. motor vehicle, or part with serial numbers have been altered to conceal identity and fugitive from justice (Alabama). Erica Leenona Rankin was charged with theft by receiving stolen property-automobile, theft by bringing stolen property into state-automobile, owning, operating, or conducting a chop
shop, and possession of a firearm or knife during commission of or attempt to commit certain felonies. Jonathan Steve Routier was charged with theft by receiving stolen property-automobile, theft by bringing stolen property into state-automobile, owning, operating, or conducting a chop shop, and possession of a firearm or knife during commission of or attempt to commit certain felonies, and fugitive from justice (Alabama).
No other details have been confirmed or released.
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