LA PLATA, Md. – Authorities arrested Demetrius Charles Dorsey, 23, of La Plata, early on the morning of May 2 in connection with a multi-jurisdictional string of ATV thefts across Maryland and Virginia.
Dorsey is accused of using social media to target individuals selling ATVs. According to investigators, he would meet sellers—often in business parking lots—under the pretense of taking the ATV for a test drive and then never return. He later sold the stolen vehicles online.
The thefts spanned several jurisdictions, including King George County, Charles County, La Plata, Alexandria City, Prince William County, Prince George’s County, and St. Mary’s County.
With cooperation from regional law enforcement, a search warrant was executed at Dorsey’s residence on Goose Creek Drive. Officers recovered over 100 grams of cannabis, drug distribution materials, and linked Dorsey to several reckless driving complaints involving ATVs on public roads.
In light of these events, detectives urge caution when selling vehicles or large items online:
Always check and document ID from potential buyers.
Never hand over keys before securing identification or payment.
Set expectations by stating, “Test rides only with full payment or deposit and valid ID.”
Police continue to investigate whether additional stolen property is linked to Dorsey.
