An Oakland County businessman has been arraigned on charges related to stolen and retagged vehicles.
Mark Watts, 49, of Lathrup Village was charged with receiving and concealing a stolen motor vehicle and license plate forgery, one day after his home and business were raided, according to the Oakland County Sheriff's Department.
The case started Wednesday, April 29, when Watts was pulled over by Southfield police. Officers determined the 2021 Chevy Tahoe Watts was driving had been reported stolen and was bearing fraudulent registration. The Tahoe was impounded at the scene, and both Watts and a passenger were released pending further investigation.
In the following five days, Auto Theft Unit detectives found evidence to secure a search warrant for Watts' Lathrup Village home and Quality Auto business.
Members of the Oakland County Sheriff's Office Auto Theft Unit and the Southfield Tactical Crime Suppression Unit executed search warrants on Monday. Investigators recovered 15 firearms and documentation believed to be associated with altered vehicle titles, according to the Sheriff's Department. Three vehicles were seized from the home, including one which was displaying a stolen license plate.
At the Quality Auto business location, detectives recovered two additional vehicles determined to be stolen and retagged.
Watts, who is also the president of the Lathrup Village Chamber of Commerce, was taken into custody without incident Monday. He was arraigned Tuesday in 46th District Court in Southfield. He was released on personal bond. His next court date is May 18th.
If convicted, Watts could spend up to 5 years in prison.
“This case reflects the level of coordination, diligence, and expertise required to investigate complex auto theft operations,” said Sheriff Mike Bouchard in a statement. “I commend our Auto Theft Unit and our partners for their thorough work in bringing this investigation to this point.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
