Toledo Duo Hit with Indictment for Chop Shop Scheme

GRIMY TIMES EXCLUSIVE: A federal grand jury in Cleveland has levelled an eleven-count indictment against Derrick Lamont Jones, 56, and Kelly Marie Thomas, 50, both of Toledo. The duo is accused of a sprawling operation involving stolen motor coach vehicles, fraud, and the operation of a chop shop.

Their alleged scheme spanned from 2003 to 2019, where they reportedly stole charter buses, altered their identities to evade law enforcement, and organized profitable trips without legitimate acquisition. Among the aliases they used were Destiny Tours, Kelly Tours, Marie’s Tour’s and Travel, Elite Tours, and GT Tours.

According to the indictment, Jones and Thomas defaced stolen buses by painting over company logos, then advertised these services on various platforms. They even secured a contract with a Toledo church group for a bus trip to New York that never materialized, leaving the group’s funds unreturned.

Despite their claims of ownership, none of their companies were legally incorporated or had FMCSA operating authority. The investigation was a collaborative effort between various law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

An indictment is not proof of guilt; a defendant has a right to a fair trial. Sentences are subject to court review based on unique case factors, with maximum penalties limited by statute.

Assistant United States Attorney Ashley A. Futrell is leading the prosecution. The defendants face substantial sentences if convicted.

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