Arrests and Search Warrants Executed in a Scheme Involving Stealing Cargo and Dismantling Semi-Trucks and Trailers

FBI Cleveland Division
Special Agent Vicki D. Anderson
February 7, 2013

The following individuals were arrested this morning based on a federal complaint filed in U.S. Court, Northern District of Ohio for their involvement in a scheme involving stealing cargo and dismantling semi-trucks and trailers.

Mike Wymer, age 54; Mike Deutsch, age 37; Gary Wymer, Sr., age 55; Terry Wymer, Jr., age 28; and Shawn Wymer, age 27, were taken into custody by law enforcement officials early this morning.

An arrest warrant was also issued for Robert Debolt, age 47.

“These defendants operated a truck and cargo theft ring, stealing from Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana, which resulted in multi-million-dollar losses. This case was a true collaborative effort by all participating agencies, and we are committed to holding accountable those individuals who engage in this organized criminal activity,” said Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Northern District of Ohio.

“Criminals are using Ohio’s vast interstate system to engage in vehicle theft and fraud. These crimes degrade the quality of life in Ohio, and we will continue working together in order to ensure the safety and security of all Ohioans,” said Colonel John Born, Ohio State Highway Patrol Superintendent.

U.S. Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach added, “This was a highly organized group that stole from people throughout the region. The FBI, Ohio State Patrol, and all the law enforcement partners involved in this investigation have done a tremendous job shutting down this ring.”

Three search warrants were also executed this morning at the following addresses: 642 Sterling in Toledo, Ohio, suspected chop shop location; 2322 Consaul in Toledo, Ohio, a second suspected chop shop location; and 661 Sterling in Toledo, Ohio, the home of Mike Wymer. Items of interest include keys, titles, license plates, paperwork from stolen semi-trucks and trailers, ATVs, motorcycles, crushers, front end loaders, dump trucks, etc.

In September 2012, officials from the Ohio State Highway Patrol approached the FBI about joining forces to investigate reports of semi-trucks and trailers along with their contained cargo being stolen in Ohio. The joint investigation revealed an extensive scheme that reached into Ohio’s neighboring states. Additional investigative agencies were brought in to include the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, the National Insurance Criminal Bureau, and the Toledo Police Department.

This group of individuals is suspected of being involved in a conspiracy to steal trailers in as many as nine towns throughout the state of Ohio, six towns in Indiana, and three towns in Michigan from September 2012 through December 2012 resulting in an estimated loss of over $2 million in those four months. Items within those trailers included, but were not limited to, ATVs (all-terrain-vehicles), rolled copper wire, thousands of pounds of aluminum scrap metal, aluminum shavings, diamond plate sheets, and spools of metal. Some of these items were trafficked to New Castle, Pennsylvania, and sold as scrap or were listed on the Internet for sale, as in the case of the diamond plate sheets.

“I am happy to say this criminal enterprise has now been dismantled and is no longer a threat to the community. This achievement would not have been possible without the hard work and cooperation of all the law enforcement agencies involved,” said Captain Brad Weis, Toledo Police Department.

This case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office following a joint investigation by Ohio State Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Toledo Police Department, National Insurance Criminal Bureau, and the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

A complaint is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent of the charges until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.

Any questions regarding this press release may be directed to SA Vicki D. Anderson, 216-522-1400 or Vicki.anderson@ic.fbi.gov.