Greenbelt, Maryland – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland has unsealed a 22-count indictment against Jamaican national Charles Edwards Madden, 39, and Michael R. Bourne, 33, for their role in a massive stolen vehicle ring. The duo is accused of conspiracy, wire fraud, operating a chop shop, sale or receipt of stolen vehicles, and trafficking motor vehicles with altered VINs.
Between January 2020 and June 2024, Madden and Bourne allegedly bought and sold stolen cars from across the United States. They reportedly altered the vehicle identification numbers to hide their criminal activities and evade law enforcement. Using parts from salvaged vehicles, they resold them in Maryland and elsewhere, misleading buyers about the true condition of the vehicles.
According to the indictment, Madden and Bourne obtained dozens of stolen vehicles collectively worth over $1 million, many of which were altered in Prince George’s County, Maryland. If convicted, each faces a maximum of 20 years for wire fraud conspiracy, 10 years for sale or receipt of stolen vehicles, and 10 years for trafficking in motor vehicles. Madden also faces up to 15 years for operating a chop shop.
U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes praised the FBI and Prince George’s County Police Department for their investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan S. McKoy and Trial Attorneys Amy Schwartz and Alyssa Levey-Weinstein are prosecuting the case.
The court reminds readers that an indictment is not a conviction, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. For more information on reporting fraud, visit justice.gov/usao-md.
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Key Facts
- State: Maryland
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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