HOLBROOK, AZ — A Holbrook man is behind bars after Navajo County authorities uncovered a large-scale chop shop operation involving over $150,000 in stolen property.
Between June 8 and June 12, Navajo County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) deputies responded to several burglary reports east of Snowflake. Victims reported the theft of high-value items, including generators, solar panels, and power tools.
On June 12, detectives with the Major Crimes Apprehension Team (MCAT) tracked some of the stolen property to a residence near Lakeside. There, they recovered a generator, solar panels, inverters, and batteries — totaling more than $25,000 in value. The occupant told investigators that 53-year-old Sam Johnson had sold them the items.
Detectives then obtained a search warrant for Johnson’s property. Upon arrival, deputies found him operating a stolen backhoe. A further search revealed a cache of stolen goods, including:
Five stolen vehicles (two disassembled)
A generator
Two chainsaws
A backhoe
The total value of the recovered property is estimated at $153,000.
While being transported to jail, Johnson reportedly caused damage to the inside of the patrol vehicle.
He was booked into the Navajo County Jail and is facing several charges, including:
Possession of stolen property
Trafficking in stolen property
Fraudulent schemes and artifices
Possession of stolen vehicles
Operating a chop shop
Criminal damage
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed.
