“At the California Department of Justice, we are fighting organized crime in the field and in the courtroom,” said Attorney General Bonta. “We will not tolerate theft that endangers our communities. I am thankful for strong partnerships with local law enforcement that make California a safer state. When we work together, we get results.”
The total value of the stolen vehicles to date is over $600,000. The DOJ’s Special Prosecution Section filed charges in El Dorado County of felony conspiracy, vehicle theft, possession of stolen vehicle, vandalism, receipt of stolen property and operating a chop shop.
DOJ’s Special Prosecution Section investigates and prosecutes complex criminal cases occurring in California, primarily related to financial, securities, mortgage, and environmental fraud; public corruption, including violations of California’s Political Reform Act; “underground economy” offenses, including tax and revenue fraud and counterfeiting; and human trafficking. Vertical teams of prosecutors, investigators, auditors, and paralegals often work with federal and local authorities on cases involving multi-jurisdictional criminal activity.
A copy of the criminal complaint can be found here.
It is important to note that every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Source: CA. DOJ