January 26, 2007

Dearborn - Western Wayne Auto Theft Team (WWATT) detectives have arrested Gavin VanLavelle Harrison, 22 years of age, of Detroit and Kimberly Patrice Adams, 33 years of age, also of Detroit.   They are believed to have been involved in the theft of 14, 2006 Lincoln Mark LT and Ford F-150 pickup trucks stolen from a Ford Motor Company storage lot in Dearborn between February 13 and March 5, 2006.  The vehicles were valued at $564,274.

The Wayne County Prosecutor‘s Office Auto Theft Unit authorized warrants against Mr. Harrison and Ms. Adams for their involvement in the thefts.

"Success in this case is a testament to what can be accomplished through cooperative partnerships and the involvement of concerned citizens," said Colonel Peter C. Munoz, director of the Michigan State Police (MSP).  "Mulitjurisdictional auto theft teams are effective and a good example of agencies working together toward the common goal of impacting motor vehicle thefts." 

On January 23, Mr. Harrison surrendered himself to authorities and was arraigned on 14 counts of Receiving and Concealing Stolen Property over $20,000; 14 counts of Unlawfully Driving Away an Auto (UDAA); and 14 counts of Intent to Pass False Title.  On January 18, Ms. Adams was arrested and arraigned on two counts of Identity Theft; one count of Receiving and Concealing Stolen Property over $20,000; one count of Possession of a Stolen, False or Forged Registration plate; and one count of Possession of a Counterfeit Insurance Certificate. 

"We have been working with the Western Wayne Auto Theft Team to aggressively prosecute these cases.  The effect of this type of crime literally costs hundreds of thousands of dollars each year," said Wayne County Prosecutor Kym L. Worthy.  "A theft from Ford Motor Company is not a victimless crime, it is also a theft from our community."

 The WWATT began an investigation at the request of Ford Motor Company Global Investigations.  Through interviews conducted in Michigan and Ohio, and surveillance conducted throughout the Detroit area, officers developed suspects.  Additionally, a concerned citizen called the HEAT (Help Eliminate Auto Theft) tip line with information that was crucial in establishing a link among the suspects involved. 

"We are pleased that HEAT was able to assist in breaking up this theft ring and with the recovery of these vehicles," said Terri Miller, Director of HEAT.  "Citizen involvement is crucial in fighting these types of organized criminal activities."

The next court appearance for Harrison and Adams is scheduled for January 26 at 9 a.m. in the 19^th District Court in Dearborn.

The WWATT is funded by a grant from the Michigan Auto Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA) and is staffed by officers from the MSP, Detroit, Livonia, Belleville and Huron Township police departments, as well as deputies from the Wayne County Sheriff's Department.  The Wayne County Prosecutor‘s Office Auto Theft Unit is also funded by a grant from the Michigan ATPA.

The HEAT tip line is 1-800-242-HEAT.  HEAT pays cash rewards of up to $10,000 for information on car theft, carjacking, chop shops and other auto theft crimes.