Derrick Lamont Jones, Motor Coach Vehicle Theft, Ohio 2023

Motor Coach Vehicle Theft Rocks Toledo

A shocking case of motor coach theft has shaken Toledo, Ohio, as Derrick Lamont Jones, 56, and Kelly Marie Thomas, 50, both of Toledo, were indicted for conspiracy to transport stolen vehicles, possession of stolen vehicles, operating a chop shop, violation of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

According to the indictment, from 2003 to 2019, the defendants allegedly stole charter buses, altered and disguised them to evade law enforcement detection, and organized and marketed for-profit trips without the legitimate cost of charter buses.

The defendants purportedly owned several motorcoach companies, including Destiny Tours, Kelly Tours, Marie's Tour's and Travel, Elite Tours, and GT Tours, which offered charter transportation to passengers in Ohio. However, the indictment reveals that none of these companies were ever incorporated under state laws, including Ohio, nor did they receive FMCSA operating authority or complete the FMCSA registration process.

The defendants allegedly defaced, disguised, and removed the identity of the stolen motorcoach buses by painting over previous bus company logos and markings. After having stolen and defaced the buses, the defendants advertised charter passenger transportation services on the internet, social media, and in local newspapers.

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation - Office of Inspector General, Midwestern Region, with significant assistance by the U.S. Department of Transportation – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Ohio Division; the Ohio State Highway Patrol; Toledo Police Department; and the Michigan State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley A. Futrell.

An indictment is merely a charge and not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

If convicted, each defendant's sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant's prior criminal records, if any, the defendant's role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases will be less than the maximum.

Derrick Lamont Jones, Defendant, real full name.

Exact criminal charges: conspiracy to transport stolen vehicles, possession of stolen vehicles, operating a chop shop, violation of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

City and state: Toledo, Ohio.

Exact date: not specified.

Sentence or outcome: pending.

Companies allegedly involved: Destiny Tours, Kelly Tours, Marie's Tour's and Travel, Elite Tours, and GT Tours.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndoh/pr/toledo-pair-indicted-possession-stolen-motor-coach-vehicles-fraud-and-operating-chop