San Bernardino County Auto Theft Task Force Busts Stolen Vehicle Operation
Date: Sunday, November 13, 2023
In a recent operation, the San Bernardino County Auto Theft Task Force (SANCATT) investigators uncovered a stolen vehicle operation, leading to the arrest of two individuals in Victorville. Jonathan De Jesus Ortega, a 28-year-old Victorville resident, and Melissa Flores Reyes, also 28 years old and from Victorville, were taken into custody. The suspects are now facing charges related to the possession of stolen vehicles and operating a chop shop.
On Monday, November 13, 2023, SANCATT investigators executed a search warrant at a Victorville residence based on an ongoing investigation into stolen vehicles. During the operation, authorities discovered six stolen vehicles and confiscated over 100 suspected stolen catalytic converters.
SANCATT is dedicated to combating organized vehicle theft, dismantling auto theft rings, and shutting down chop shop operations involved in vehicle parts disposal. The task force comprises various law enforcement agencies, including city police departments, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office, the San Bernardino Police Department, the California Highway Patrol, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact SANCATT at (909) 388-4898 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or submit information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.
For more details or inquiries, please contact Deputy Daniel Ponce at 909-387-3970 or Detective Bernabe Ortiz at 909-387-3970.
This operation represents the ongoing efforts of local law enforcement agencies to combat vehicle theft and related criminal activities, ensuring the safety and security of the community.
