Waddell, Ariz. – Five people were brought to court early Saturday after a major bust involving vehicle thefts and an alleged “chop shop” operation in the Valley. According to state prosecutors, the group used guns and burglary tools to steal vehicles and dismantle them for parts.
One of the defendants, Jorge (George) Aguilar, is accused of operating the chop shop. Prosecutors requested a $250,000 cash-only bond, citing his attempted escape from law enforcement while armed with an assault rifle. “He did flee in his vehicle and then on foot,” said Ashley Stetson of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
The arrests follow a recent surge of armed vehicle thefts in the area, including a notable incident in Waddell last month. Authorities suspect the defendants’ involvement, though Arizona DPS has not officially confirmed this link.
Aguilar and fellow defendants Luis Rodriguez and Luna Vargas pleaded for reduced bonds. Aguilar, who claims a stable life and no recent offenses, stated, “I understand I broke the law, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to flee.”
Rodriguez, a 19-year-old from Houston, also requested a lower bond, promising to find housing locally. “That does not mean that I’m a flee,” he said. Vargas, a single mother and business owner, emphasized her family responsibilities. “I have a six-year-old son… I am the only one that takes care of him,” she explained.
All five defendants are scheduled to return to court next week.
