Macomb authorities arrest suspect in $1.5 million Cadillac crime ring
Deon Brooks, 24, is accused of participating in an ongoing criminal operation, which the Macomb Auto Theft Squad began investigating in December. Detectives linked Brooks to multiple stolen vehicles from a lot on Van Dyke Avenue that, together, authorities valued at more than $1.5 million, according to a county sheriff's office press release and its spokeswoman.
The stolen vehicles were brand new, awaiting shipment to dealerships or corporate loaner cars, Sheriff's Office Spokeswoman Jennifer Putney told the Free Press. She later indicated the Cadillacs were the Escalade V.
Brooks' bond was set at $2 million during arraignment Wednesday in 37th District Court in Warren, according to the sheriff's office and the court. Brooks is charged with one count of conducting a criminal enterprise, a 20-year felony.
He pleaded not guilty in court. His bond conditions include wearing a GPS tether if he is released from the county jail, where he was being held Wednesday, according the court and online jail records.
No attorney was listed for him in online court records.
Detectives allege that Brooks "retagged" the vehicles with cloned vehicle identification numbers and sold them out of state for a large profit, though authorities did not provide a specific dollar amount.
As part of the investigation, authorities seized several printers, retagging equipment, fraudulent secretary of state documents, methamphetamine, jewelry and a Chrysler Pacifica. The release indicated Brooks was arrested Tuesday.
Brooks' probable cause conference is slated for March 20 and his preliminary exam is scheduled for March 27. The investigation continues into other suspects who may be linked to Brooks.
The sheriff's office release indicates Brooks also is on bond in 42-1 District Court in Romeo on charges regarding unlawful driving away of an automobile from dealerships in Washington Township in February 2024. His next hearing in that court is set for April 8, according online court records.
Jackie Charniga covers General Motors for the Free Press. Reach her at jcharniga@freepress.com. This is a developing story and may be updated.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Macomb authorities arrest suspect in $1.5 million Cadillac crime ring
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