A joint investigation by the Thousand Oaks Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit and Investigations Bureau, Ventura County Auto Theft Task Force (VENCATT) and various law enforcement agencies from San Bernardino County, led to the arrest of nine people suspected of orchestrating a sophisticated stolen vehicle operation. On May 24th, 2023, search warrants were served at 18 locations throughout Southern California, which led to the seizure of 28 suspected stolen vehicles, over $130,000 in cash, four handguns, one rifle and high-capacity magazines.
Since November of 2022, there have been 16 Dodge “Hellcat” equipped, high-performance vehicles stolen in Ventura County. Each of these vehicles were estimated to be worth over $90,000. Of the 16 stolen, 10 have been recovered and detectives are continuously working to recover the remaining vehicles.
Through this investigation, the Thousand Oaks Special Enforcement Unit and VENCATT learned investigators from various San Bernardino County law enforcement agencies were also experiencing stolen vehicles in their jurisdiction with a similar mode of operating, and a person they suspected of facilitating the stolen vehicles was also connected to the Ventura County Investigation.
On May 24th, 2023, detectives from the previously mentioned units along with assistance from LAPD worked together to serve search warrants at 18 locations throughout Southern California, including the City of Los Angeles, and other locations in Kern County and San Bernardino County. Suspects were arrested as a result, four by Ventura County law enforcement, and five by San Bernardino law enforcement which are not named in this release. Evidence was seized related to facilitating the unlawful sales of stolen vehicles, including the fraudulent registration of stolen vehicles, and evidence of fraudulent smog certifications. In addition, detectives seized over $100,000 in cash, 28 suspected stolen vehicles, four handguns, one rifle, and high-capacity magazines.
Marcellous Ryan and Michael Carter were both booked into the Ventura County Jail with bail amounts of $50,000 (Ryan) and $20,000 (Carter). Charges include 10851(a) CVC, Felony Unlawful Taking of a Vehicle and 182(a)(1) PC, Felony Conspiracy to Commit a Crime. Additional weapons charges will be filed in Los Angeles County. Ryan and Carter are scheduled to appear in Ventura County Superior Court on June 7th at 8:15 AM. Jesus Flores was booked into the Ventura County Jail with a bail amount of $20,000. Charges include 10851(a) CVC, Felony Unlawful Taking of a Vehicle and 182(a)(1) PC, Felony Conspiracy to Commit a Crime. Flores is scheduled to appear in Ventura County Superior Court on June 7th at 8:15 AM. Lilian Cardona was booked into the Ventura County Jail with a bail amount of $20,000. Charges include 115(a) PC, File False or Forged Instrument, 182(a)(1) PC, Felony Conspiracy to Commit a Crime, 502(c)(2) PC, Felony Computer Related Crimes and 4463(a) CVC, Felony Forgery of a Registration. Cardona is scheduled to appear in Ventura County Superior Court on June 7th at 8:15 AM.
This remains an active investigation. Anyone with related or additional information is encouraged to contact Detective Mike Loth.
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