Federal authorities have indicted two individuals in connection with a complex stolen vehicle ring that spanned more than four years and allegedly netted more than $1 million in cars.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland has unsealed a 22-count indictment charging Charles Madden, 39, of New Carrolton, Maryland, and Michael Bourne, 33, of New York City, with conspiracy—conspiration to commit wire fraud, operating a chop shop, selling or receiving stolen vehicles, and trafficking in motor vehicles with altered vehicle identification numbers (VINs).
According to federal authorities, Madden and Bourne conspired to buy, modify, and resell stolen automobiles from numerous places across the country, beginning in January 2020 and continuing until June 2024.
The couple allegedly changed VINs to conceal the cars’ true origins and elude law enforcement identification.
According to investigators, Madden and Bourne assembled pieces from salvaged automobiles and resold them to victims in Maryland and elsewhere. The indictment alleges that the duo misrepresented the automobiles’ condition and history, hiding prior damage or salvage status.
Authorities estimate that the overall worth of the stolen automobiles approached $1 million.
Many of the vehicles were apparently modified in Prince George’s County, Maryland, where Madden is also charged with running an illegal chop shop.
U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes announced the charges, together with FBI Washington Field Office Assistant Director Steven J. Jensen and Prince George’s County Police Chief George Nader.
If convicted, Madden and Bourne may face up to 20 years in federal prison for wire fraud conspiracy, a maximum of ten years for selling or receiving stolen cars, and a maximum of ten years for trafficking in motor vehicles and components.
Madden faces an additional 15 years for allegedly running a chop shop.