A federal jury has convicted a Hyattsville man and an Ohio man for their roles in a multi-state conspiracy involving more than 150 stolen vehicles valued at over $6 million.
Deonte Holden, 30, of Hyattsville, Maryland, and Clifford Flemming Smith Jr., 38, of Columbus, Ohio, were convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to receive stolen vehicles. Smith was also convicted of aggravated identity theft.
According to federal prosecutors, members of the conspiracy used stolen identities to fraudulently purchase or attempt to purchase new and used vehicles. In some cases, conspirators used victims’ identities to test drive vehicles, made copies of the key fobs, returned the vehicles and later came back to steal them. Tow trucks were also used to take vehicles from dealerships, rental lots and residential neighborhoods.
After obtaining the vehicles, conspirators allegedly removed or concealed factory-installed Vehicle Identification Numbers and disabled GPS systems before transferring the vehicles to others in an effort to avoid detection.
Federal prosecutors said the overall conspiracy involved more than 150 stolen vehicles worth over $6 million. Seven other defendants charged in connection with the case previously pleaded guilty.
Holden and Smith are scheduled to be sentenced January 15, 2027. Holden faces up to 25 years in prison, while Smith faces a mandatory minimum of two years and up to 27 years.
The case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office along with several local police departments, including the Prince George’s County and Baltimore County police departments.
