Investigator: Ex-wife reported the manager of a chop shop to demand maintenance
(CBS4) – Kevin Chavez was arrested on Wednesday on 22 felony counts – and investigators believe it was his ex-wife who reported him. The Weld County Sheriff's Office says Chavez, 29, is responsible for stealing and converting hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of stolen vehicles.
Chavez's ex-wife contacted the Criminal Impact Unit in January. She told investigators that she and Chavez had recently filed for divorce, but because Chavez had no verifiable income, she was not awarded child support.
The ex-wife confided to investigators that she knew that Chávez had illegally earned six-figure sums.
WCSO “Strike Team” investigators swooped in that same day and recovered $200,000 worth of vehicles that had been reported stolen in Wyoming, South Dakota and New Mexico in addition to here in Colorado.
Even more — two pickup trucks and three SUVs worth another $100,000 — were discovered just last week, investigators told CBS4.
Chavez turned himself in on Wednesday and reportedly admitted responsibility for the operation. Authorities are still looking for additional contributors to the program.
A reward has been offered for information leading to additional arrests in the case.
Chávez now faces 11 counts of grand theft of a motor vehicle, seven counts of garage activities, four counts of larceny and one count of theft of vehicles – the latter for fleeing officers at high speed while driving a stolen vehicle in February was.
On Thursday afternoon, Chavez's bail was set at $7,500 in criminal court.
Anyone with additional information about Chavez and his criminal activity is asked to call the Weld County Sheriff's Office Criminal Impact Unit at (970) 304-6464 or Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Tips can also be submitted through the Crime Stoppers website at www.crimeshurt.com. Those who submit tips through Crime Stoppers that lead to the arrest and indictment of one or more suspects may be eligible for a cash reward.
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