Seven individuals have been charged with violating the Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) for their alleged involvement in breaking into or stealing approximately 500 automobiles over a two-year period. The gang is accused of plotting to steal 492 automobiles between November 2022 and March 2024.
The Gwinnett County Police Department launched an investigation after noticing a pattern of work vans being broken into and expensive items being stolen. The first arrest was made in February 2023, but detectives believed there were other suspects involved. The crimes continued, with an increase in auto thefts and break-ins reported in June 2023. The suspects are accused of aggravated assault after allegedly firing at a homeowner who witnessed them breaking into cars.
The investigation into the gang's activities took over a year, during which the Gwinnett police analyzed evidence, reviewed security footage, and utilized cell phone data, DNA, surveillance films, and fingerprint analysis. Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office, the Gwinnett County District Attorney, and various police departments, were involved in the inquiry. The suspects, aged between 22 and 27, were reportedly well-organized, frequently changing crime locations, and using stolen vehicles to conceal their identities. The gang is said to have had a safe house in the East Point neighborhood of Fulton County, where they stored weapons, money, and other items.
Two of the suspects are still at large, while the remaining five have been identified and warrants have been issued for their arrest. The charges against the group include violating the RICO Act, aggravated assault, and various other crimes related to the theft and break-ins of automobiles. The investigation into their alleged crimes spanned several months, with the gang continuing their activities despite ongoing police efforts.
The Gwinnett County Police Department launched an investigation after noticing a pattern of work vans being broken into and expensive items being stolen. The first arrest was made in February 2023, but detectives believed there were other suspects involved. The crimes continued, with an increase in auto thefts and break-ins reported in June 2023. The suspects are accused of aggravated assault after allegedly firing at a homeowner who witnessed them breaking into cars.
The investigation into the gang's activities took over a year, during which the Gwinnett police analyzed evidence, reviewed security footage, and utilized cell phone data, DNA, surveillance films, and fingerprint analysis. Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office, the Gwinnett County District Attorney, and various police departments, were involved in the inquiry. The suspects, aged between 22 and 27, were reportedly well-organized, frequently changing crime locations, and using stolen vehicles to conceal their identities. The gang is said to have had a safe house in the East Point neighborhood of Fulton County, where they stored weapons, money, and other items.
Two of the suspects are still at large, while the remaining five have been identified and warrants have been issued for their arrest. The charges against the group include violating the RICO Act, aggravated assault, and various other crimes related to the theft and break-ins of automobiles. The investigation into their alleged crimes spanned several months, with the gang continuing their activities despite ongoing police efforts.
