Indictments handed down in Toledo chop shop case - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

Indictments handed down in Toledo chop shop case

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A federal grand jury has indicted the six local men accused of running two chop shops, where stolen vehicles were allegedly altered or dismantled and sold for scrap.

When the FBI raided two suspected chop shops in Toledo last month, it was the culmination of a six month sting. Those alleged chop shops were on Sterling Street near the Anthony Wayne Trail and across the river on Toledo's east side along Consaul.

It was at these locations, the FBI says, that those involved in the illegal operation would dismantle the trucks and sell the pieces to scrap dealers. The operation allegedly took in $2 million of stolen goods within half a year.

Now the stage is set for a trial, turning a corner for what was code named: Operation Semi Load. Friday's indictment has a total of 17 counts, including the transportation of stolen semi trucks, their trailers and contents.

Robert DeBolt, Michael Deutsch, Michael, Shawn, Gary, and Terrence Wymer are facing federal charges handed down from a grand jury Friday.

According to federal agents, the six suspects "would 'shop' for semi-trucks, trailers and cargo to steal in the states of Ohio, Michigan and Indiana….would break into and steal semi-trucks, trailers and cargo…and then transport them back to chop shops located in Toledo."

Investigators said they tracked the suspects using surveillance video and GPS units.

A US attorney for the case called it a "highly organized group that stole from people throughout the Midwest."

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