PINCKNEY, Mich. – Seven Detroit men are facing charges in connection with a statewide auto theft ring, and more arrests are expected to come, police said.
These arrests come after an extensive investigation that followed thefts at a Pinckney dealership last year.
In March 2024, officers responded to the Chrysler dealership in Pinckney due to suspicious activity.
As an officer arrived, he saw new vehicles leaving the dealership lot in the area of Kirkland Court, according to a release from Pinckney police.
Police stopped one vehicle and discovered that the driver was involved in a vehicle theft operation that was underway.
The officer notified other agencies, and two drivers who had fled the scene were caught.
Investigators began questioning the suspects about the auto theft case and discovered that the Pinckney incident was part of a statewide auto theft ring.
After months of investigating, police identified several suspects who allegedly victimized people and car dealerships across southern Michigan.
The Livingston County Prosecutor’s Office has issued the following charges:
- Desean Stanley, 20, of Detroit
- Continuing Criminal Enterprise
- Using a Computer to Commit Crimes
- Conspiracy to Commit B&E with Intent
- B&E with Intent
- Conspiracy to Commit UDAA
- UDAA (5 Counts)
- Conspiracy to Commit Larceny in a Building
- Larceny in a Building
- Operating a Chop Shop
- Flee & Elude
- Driving With a Suspended License
- Reckless Driving
Stanley was given a $500,000 bond.
- 22-year-old Detroit man
- Conspiracy to Commit B&E
- UDAA (5 Counts)
- Continuing Criminal Enterprise
- Flee & Elude
- Malicious Destruction of Property over $50,000
- Kristopher Hayes, 24, of Detroit
- Continuing Criminal Enterprise
- Using a Computer to Commit Crimes (20 Counts)
- Conspiracy to Commit B&E w/Intent
- B&E w/Intent
- Conspiracy to Commit UDAA
- UDAA (5 Counts)
- MDOP over $50K
- Conspiracy to Commit Larceny in a Building
- Larceny in a Building
- Habitual 2nd
- Reckless Driving
- Flee & Elude
Hayes was given a $500,000 cash/surety bond.
- 25-year-old Detroit man
- Conspiracy to Commit B&E
- B&E
- UDAA (5 Counts)
- Continuing Criminal Enterprise
- Flee & Elude
- MDOP over $50K
- Dakarai Williams, 24, of Detroit
- Conspiracy to Commit B&E
- B&E
- UDAA (5 Counts)
- Continuing Criminal Enterprise
- Flee & Elude
- MDOP over $50K
Williams was issued a $500,000 bond.
- 20-year-old Detroit man
- Continuing Criminal Enterprise
- Using a Computer to Commit Crimes
- Conspiracy to Commit B&E w/Intent
- B&E with Intent
- Conspiracy to Commit UDAA
- UDAA (5 Counts)
- Conspiracy to Commit Larceny in a Building
- Larceny in a Building
- 23-year-old Detroit man
- Accessory After the Fact to a Felony (2 Counts)
- Felony Firearm
- Possession of Financial Transaction Information and Personal Identifying Information (5 Counts each)
- Using a Computer to Commit Crimes (5 Counts)
- Lying to Police
Pinckney police say they couldn’t connect the seventh suspect to the criminal enterprise, but other jurisdictions can. Also, police discovered that the seventh suspect has victimized 50 people across the country.
More arrests are expected in this case. Additional information will be released when more suspects are arraigned.