A multi-agency investigation in North Carolina has resulted in the recovery of more than $630,000 worth of stolen commercial vehicles and the arrest of two men accused of participating in an alleged vehicle theft operation spanning multiple counties and states.
According to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), special agents executed search warrants at properties in Hope Mills and Hoke County as part of an ongoing investigation into stolen commercial vehicles. During the operation, investigators recovered two motor vehicles, six semi-trucks, and three trailers believed to have been stolen from locations throughout North and South Carolina.
It is estimated that the recovered vehicles are worth more than $630,000 all together, though investigators believe the scope of the alleged operation may be far larger. Officials said there are still additional vehicles connected to the investigation that remain missing and unaccounted for.
Investigators allege the suspects were involved in a scheme that targeted commercial vehicles, stole them, altered identifying information, and then rented them out to unsuspecting customers. According to the SBI, suspects allegedly changed vehicle identification numbers (VINs) and license plates in an effort to disguise the stolen property before placing the vehicles back into circulation.
Suspects Face Intense Felony Charges in Connection to Theft Operation
The investigation led to the arrest of Andre David Horace Jumpp of Hope Mills and Prince Leon Raymond Betts of Raeford. Authorities said both men now face multiple felony charges connected to the alleged theft operation.
Jumpp has been charged with two counts of felony breaking and entering and two counts of felony larceny of a motor vehicle. Betts faces the same charges, along with two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon and one count of possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
Officials have not yet released additional details about the circumstances of the arrests or whether investigators believe additional suspects are involved. However, authorities stated the investigation remains active and ongoing, with more charges expected as detectives continue gathering evidence.
Where Are the Other Missing Vehicles?
If convicted, both men could face substantial prison time due to the felony charges. Possession of a firearm by a felon, motor vehicle theft, and organized property crime-related offenses can carry serious penalties under North Carolina law, particularly if prosecutors determine the alleged operation involved a broader criminal enterprise.
Authorities are also asking the public for assistance as investigators continue working to locate additional missing vehicles. The SBI urged anyone who may have unknowingly rented a vehicle from either suspect to contact investigators immediately.
Currently, it is unclear if anyone has come forward with information concerning these vehicles and their potential locations. It is also unclear if there is a list of individuals that the police can follow to locate the vehicles.
What Happens Next?
According to SBI Director Chip Hawley, “This operation demonstrates the impact that coordinated local, state, and federal partnerships can have in disrupting organized vehicle theft and protecting the public. We will continue to follow every lead to identify additional suspects, recover additional stolen property, and hold those responsible accountable.”
The investigation was originally identified and initiated by the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, according to authorities. Multiple agencies later joined the case, including the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Hope Mills Police Department, and the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Brian Chism praised the collaborative effort between agencies, crediting investigators with helping recover valuable property for victims in both North and South Carolina. Officials said the partnership between local, state, and federal law enforcement played a major role in uncovering the whole thing.
As with all criminal cases, Jumpp and Betts are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.