64 indicted in N. County auto theft rings [View all]

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/jun/06/auto-theft-ring-district-attorney-sting/?st



Military tactical gear stolen from Camp Pendleton was among items recovered, including 92 vehicles, in a North County auto theft sting operation.

64 indicted in N. County auto theft rings
By Pauline Repard
11:35 a.m.June 6, 2013 Updated 4:39 p.m.

SAN DIEGO — An eight-month North County auto theft sting operation that also netted stolen military gear led to the indictment of 64 people, including seven Marines and a sailor, officials announced Thursday.

Arrests on Tuesday capped the investigation into dozens of auto theft rings operating throughout North County and southwest Riverside County, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis said at a news conference.

Dumanis joined local, state, federal and military officials in announcing the results of "Operation Perfect Storm" in which undercover detectives seized 92 stolen vehicles worth nearly $700,000, as well as 10,000 rounds of ammunition, nine guns, and drugs.

"It's clear that criminal activity often goes well beyond just stealing cars," Dumanis said.