|
 Seven
people were indicted by a Denver grand jury Tuesday and are accused of
participating in a sophisticated car and insurance theft ring dating back three
years.
One of the cars allegedly stolen was a 1959 Cadillac convertible that was valued
at $133,320 and belonged to the actor Steve McQueen.
The convertible was featured in the MacGyver television series, according to the
Denver district attorney's office.
As part of the operation, the ring's members rented expensive cars, reported
them stolen and changed the vehicle identification numbers before selling them
to cohorts, according to the indictment.
The accomplices then allegedly insured the vehicles and reported them stolen a
second time so they could obtain the insurance money.
Detectives believe more than $700,000 was stolen from car rental agencies,
insurance firms and other victims, according to prosecutors.
The 25-count indictment was handed down after detectives from the Denver,
Lakewood and Broomfield police departments and the National Insurance Crime
Bureau launched an investigation into the operation months ago, the district
attorney's office said.
The indictment charged the alleged ringleader, Jeffrey Earle Piper, 44, with
violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act; five counts of aggravated
motor vehicle theft; 11 counts of theft by receiving; two counts of theft;
conspiracy to commit theft by receiving; conspiracy to commit theft; conspiracy
to commit aggravated motor vehicle theft; and identity theft.
Other alleged participants of the operation include:
*Stephanie Jimenez, 41, who was charged with violating the Organized Crime
Control Act; conspiracy to commit theft; theft by receiving; and aggravated
motor vehicle theft.
*Michael Smajd, 43, who was charged with conspiracy to commit theft; theft by
receiving; aggravated motor vehicle theft; and possession of a controlled
substance.
*William Stack, 51, who was charged with conspiracy to commit theft; theft by
receiving; and aggravated motor vehicle theft. Stack was released from jail on
bond.
*Tracy Rudisel, 42, who was charged with conspiracy to commit theft; theft by
receiving; aggravated motor vehicle theft; and theft. Rudisel also was released
from jail on bond.
*Michelle Winkler, 42, who was charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated
motor vehicle theft and aggravated motor vehicle theft.
*Jeremy Lawhon, 34, who was charged with being in possession of a controlled
substance.
Piper and Jimenez remain in custody. Detectives are still searching for Smajd,
Lawhon and Winkler, the district attorney's office said.
Source: The Rocky Mountain News |
