Police are investigating a truck theft ring operating in Gwinnett County that has victimized some unwitting buyers as well as dealerships.
In three separate cases in the last few weeks, individuals have bought Ford F-150 trucks from what appears to be the same woman, Gwinnett County Police spokesman Cpl. Deon Washington said.
Each truck was reported stolen from an auto dealer, had fake vehicle identification numbers, and came with a fraudulent South Carolina title.
All three buyers paid cash for the trucks, and each vehicle title identified the seller as a Melissa Scott.
In the most recent case, the buyer took a picture of the woman who sold him the truck. Police are calling her a person of interest.
On Aug. 19, the first buyer tried to register a 2012 Ford F-150 Platinum at the Peachtree Corners tag office, Washington said. The truck was stolen from a dealership in North Carolina. The buyer met the seller at an address on Buford Highway in Brookhaven and paid $8,000.
On Aug. 27, the second buyer tried to register a 2013 Ford F-150 Lariat at the Indian Trail tag office. The truck was stolen from Five Star Ford in Snellville. The buyer met the seller at the same address on Buford Highway in Brookhaven and paid $9,500 cash.
On Sept. 1, a third buyer tried to register a 2013 Ford F-150 Platinum at the Peachtree Corners tag office. The truck had been stolen from a dealership in North Carolina. The buyer paid $9,500 cash, Police did not disclose the location where the deal was completed.
Another F-150 Platinum is still missing from a dealership in Gwinnett County, Washington said.
Police are asking that anyone with information that might help them solve the case contact the auto theft unit at 770-513-5300. To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404 577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestoppersatlanta.org.
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