Chop shop operation dismantled in Osceola County

www.newsbreak.com, November 30, 2024

KISSIMMEE, Florida — Two men have been arrested in connection with a chop shop operation following the theft of a vehicle from a local dealership, according to the Osceola County Sheriff's Office. The suspects were identified as Miguel Antonio Umana Jr. and Jose Luis Diaz.On September 9, 2023, deputies responded to Denes Auto Sales on South Orange Blossom Trail regarding a stolen black 2012 Chrysler 300, which was later found stripped and dismantled in Orange County. Surveillance footage confirmed the involvement of two suspects in the theft. The investigation led detectives to two residences linked to the suspects, where search warrants revealed the operation of a chop shop. Numerous stolen vehicles and car parts from several counties, including Broward, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, and Polk, were discovered.On November 8, 2024, the Attorney General's Office of Statewide Prosecution charged the defendants with grand theft greater than $100,000, conspiracy to commit grand theft greater than $100,000, and operating a chop shop. The arrests were made on November 13, 2024, and the suspects were booked into the Osceola County Jail. The Osceola County Sheriff's Office emphasized its commitment to community safety and urged anyone with information related to this case to contact them at (407) 348-2222.

News article: Chop shop operation dismantled in Osceola County