Three individuals are set to face trial for their alleged involvement in a criminal auto theft ring in Southeast Michigan. The defendants, Donovan Tucker, Davion Tucker, and Davonta Jones, were ordered to stand trial by Judge Mark Somers at the 19th District Court in Dearborn. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the decision.
Donovan Tucker faces charges of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise and two counts of Receiving & Concealing Stolen Property - Motor Vehicle. His co-defendant, Davion Tucker, is charged with similar offenses but faces four counts of Receiving & Concealing Stolen Property - Motor Vehicle. Meanwhile, Davonta Jones is charged with one count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise and three counts of Receiving & Concealing Stolen Property - Motor Vehicle.
The accused are suspected of targeting various locations such as new vehicle storage lots and car dealerships to steal vehicles. These stolen vehicles are allegedly sold on the black market at prices below market value. The group reportedly uses countersurveillance tactics during their operations and has been linked to other criminal activities.
Attorney General Nessel stated: “I am pleased to see this case proceed in court thanks to the efforts of the FORCE Team and more than a dozen law enforcement agencies across metro Detroit.” She emphasized her commitment to dismantling such organizations throughout Michigan.
The investigation began with the Troy Police Department in August 2023 and later involved the FORCE Team. Several local police departments across Metro Detroit contributed to this effort alongside specialized units like the Oakland County Auto Theft Group and Macomb County Auto Theft Unit.
A fourth defendant, Timothy Bell, was previously bound over on related charges. Donovan Tucker, Davion Tucker, and Davonta Jones are scheduled for their next court appearance on March 6 at 9 am.
The FORCE Team was established by Attorney General Nessel in January 2023 to combat organized retail crime. This team collaborates with various partners including federal agencies like the FBI’s Detroit Fraud and Financial Crimes Task Force. Corporate partners include major retailers such as Sam’s Club/Walmart, Meijer, Target, Home Depot among others.
In addition to these efforts against organized retail crime, Attorney General Nessel expanded her department's Auto Insurance Fraud Unit into what is now known as the Auto Fraud Task Force (AFTF). This task force works closely with Michigan State Police Metro Detroit Auto-Theft Recovery Team (MSP MDART) focusing on large-scale auto theft operations within Metro Detroit.