LINCOLN, RI — Rhode Island State Police arrested six men on May 5 in connection with an alleged chop shop operation involving stolen vehicles.
Michael Brown, 48, of Cranston, faces eight charges including six counts of possession of stolen vehicle, operation of a chop shop, six counts of alteration of identification number, insurance fraud claim over $1,500, conspiracy, six counts of possession of motor vehicle or part with altered identification number, forgery and counterfeiting, and false statement to fraudulently obtain license or registration.
Brown was processed at State Police Headquarters and arraigned in Sixth District Court before Judge Stephen M. Isherwood, where he was issued $40,000 surety bail.
Erik Cardoso, 43, of North Providence, was arrested on charges of possession of stolen vehicle, forgery and counterfeiting, possession of motor vehicle or part with altered identification number, conspiracy, and false statement to fraudulently obtain license or registration.
Emery Lima, 44, of Cranston, faces five counts of possession of stolen vehicle, five counts of possession of motor vehicle or part with altered identification number, six counts of alteration of identification number, operation of a chop shop, and conspiracy.
Jolon O’Connor, 47, of Providence, was charged with four counts of possession of stolen vehicle, four counts of possession of motor vehicle or part with altered identification number, six counts of alteration of identification number, operation of a chop shop, and conspiracy.
Carlos Rodrigues, 43, of Johnston, faces two counts of possession of stolen vehicle, two counts of possession of motor vehicle or part with altered identification number, and conspiracy.
Sean Swepson, 33, of Providence, was arrested on charges including six counts of possession of stolen vehicle, six counts of alteration of identification number, six counts of possession of motor vehicle or part with altered identification number, forgery and counterfeiting, operation of a chop shop, conspiracy, and false statement to fraudulently obtain license or registration.
Cardoso, Lima, Rodrigues and Swepson were each issued $5,000 surety bail.
O’Connor was issued $10,000 surety bail.
All six men were processed at State Police Headquarters and arraigned before Judge Isherwood.
