(WWJ) A Jackson man has been sentenced to up to two decades in prison for his role in a widespread vehicle theft ring that targeted dealerships and businesses across Michigan.
Josiah Capetillo, 24, was ordered by Judge Sarah Lincoln to serve three to 20 years in prison, after pleading guilty to conducting a criminal enterprise.
The sentence, handed down March 13 37th District Court, follows a complex investigation by the Michigan Attorney General's Focused Organized Retail Crime Enforcement (FORCE) Team and Michigan State Police.
According to the AG's office, Capetillo participated in seven vehicle thefts during the summer of 2023.
The operation targeted high-profile locations, including the Chrysler Chelsea Proving Grounds and Firekeepers Casino, as well as several dealerships in Bay City, Rockford, Wyoming, and Schoolcraft Township.
While Capetillo sold stolen vehicles for profit, the AG's office said his co-defendant, 24-year-old Brendan McClure, operated a "chop shop" out of a large barn in Marshall. There, McClure dismantled the stolen cars and sold the individual parts.
"Organized criminal networks that carry out vehicle thefts not only have an impact on the victims but also on the overall safety of our state," said Attorney General Nessel. "I am proud of the work my FORCE Team and Michigan State Police do day in and day out to keep our communities safe and will continue working to dismantle these operations and hold those who participate in these criminal enterprises accountable."
McClure, who pleaded guilty in January to operating a chop shop and concealing stolen vehicles, is set to be sentence on April 17.
The FORCE Team, which led the investigation, was established in 2023 to combat organized groups that steal and resell retail products for profit.
