Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced the indictment of five individuals from Louisiana and Mississippi on conspiracy charges and interstate transport of stolen vehicles. The accused include Jared Thomas, Terrence Robinson, Christopher Meyers, Hannif Bey, and Jalen Hills, charged on April 11, 2025. According to the indictment, they are accused of a scheme involving fake credit profiles to secure auto loans, particularly for Audi vehicles from Audi of New Orleans.
The group allegedly used stolen and fake personal information to obtain these loans and, once the vehicles were acquired, failed to repay the loans. Instead, they reportedly sold or used the vehicles for personal gain.
If convicted on the conspiracy charge, each individual could face a sentence of up to five years, along with a possible $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. Convictions on the interstate transport of stolen vehicles carry sentences of up to ten years imprisonment, equivalent financial penalties, supervised release, and a special assessment.
Simpson emphasized that the indictment is merely an allegation document, stating, "The guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt." The investigation involved several agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations, the Louisiana State Police, and the Pearl River County Sheriff's Office. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell will handle the prosecution.