DETROIT, Mich. — Seven men from Detroit have been charged in connection with a major statewide auto theft ring uncovered after a 2024 incident at a Pinckney Chrysler dealership, authorities confirmed.
The investigation began in March 2024 when police responded to a “suspicious situation” at the dealership. As officers arrived, three vehicles fled the scene at high speed. One was stopped by local police, another by the Michigan State Police, and a third suspect assisting the group was also apprehended.
A year-long investigation followed, ultimately leading the Livingston County Prosecutor’s Office to file an extensive list of criminal charges against seven individuals tied to the operation.
Charged Suspects:
1. Desean Stanley, 20
Bond: $500,000 cash/surety
Charges:
Continuing Criminal Enterprise (CCE)
Using a Computer to Commit Crimes
Conspiracy to Commit Breaking & Entering (B&E) with Intent
Breaking & Entering with Intent
Conspiracy to Commit Unlawful Driving Away of an Automobile (UDAA)
UDAA (5 counts)
Conspiracy to Commit Larceny in a Building
Larceny in a Building
Operating a Chop Shop
Fleeing & Eluding
Driving with Suspended License
Reckless Driving
2. Kristopher Hayes, 24
Bond: $500,000 cash/surety
Charges:
Continuing Criminal Enterprise
Using a Computer to Commit Crimes (20 counts)
Conspiracy to Commit B&E
B&E
Conspiracy to Commit UDAA
UDAA (5 counts)
Malicious Destruction of Property Over $50K
Conspiracy to Commit Larceny in a Building
Larceny in a Building
Habitual Offender (2nd Offense)
Reckless Driving
Fleeing & Eluding
3. Detroit Man, 22
Charges:
Conspiracy to Commit B&E
UDAA (5 counts)
Continuing Criminal Enterprise
Fleeing & Eluding
Malicious Destruction of Property Over $50K
4. Detroit Man, 25
Charges:
Conspiracy to Commit B&E
B&E
UDAA (5 counts)
Continuing Criminal Enterprise
Fleeing & Eluding
Malicious Destruction of Property Over $50K
5. Dakarai Williams, 24
Bond: $500,000 cash/surety
Charges:
Conspiracy to Commit B&E
B&E
UDAA (5 counts)
Continuing Criminal Enterprise
Fleeing & Eluding
Malicious Destruction of Property Over $50K
6. Detroit Man, 20
Charges:
Continuing Criminal Enterprise
Using a Computer to Commit Crimes
Conspiracy to Commit B&E with Intent
B&E with Intent
Conspiracy to Commit UDAA
UDAA (5 counts)
Conspiracy to Commit Larceny in a Building
Larceny in a Building
7. Detroit Man, 23
Charges:
Accessory After the Fact to a Felony (2 counts)
Felony Firearm
Possession of Financial Transaction and Personal ID Information (5 counts each)
Using a Computer to Commit Crimes (5 counts)
Lying to Police
Police say this final suspect could not be directly tied to the core conspiracy related to the Pinckney incident but faces charges in multiple jurisdictions and is accused of financial crimes affecting at least 50 victims nationwide.
Authorities have not ruled out additional charges or arrests as the investigation into the statewide car theft and financial fraud operation continues.
