
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, June 29, 1990                   TAG: 9006290130
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-3   EDITION: STATE 
SOURCE: associated press
DATELINE: BRISTOL                                LENGTH: Short

CAR THEFT RING SMASHED IN BRISTOL

Insurance companies lost hundreds of thousands of dollars to an interstate theft ring that arranged to steal cars from drivers unwilling to pay off their loans, authorities said.

Bristol Police Chief Tom Stone said they broke up the operation after a yearlong undercover investigation. A Bristol man has been convicted, five others are under indictment, and authorities are considering charges against some car owners who arranged to have their vehicles stolen, he said.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Kilgore said indictments may follow here and in Michigan, where a similar investigation is under way. Kilgore said it appears a Michigan source supplied new cars to people here weeks before they were officially on the market.

Kilgore would not elaborate on the ongoing investigation.

Stone said James D. Sanders, who pleaded guilty to auto theft charges as part of a bargain with the U.S. Attorney's Office, was the leader of the ring apparently based in Bristol. Sanders is awaiting sentencing.

Stone said people seeking to "be relieved of their vehicle payments" arranged for Sanders to steal their cars at a specific time and location. The owners would report the theft to their insurance companies and collect thousands in compensation, the chief said.

Sanders, in turn, allegedly sold the stolen vehicles below value, Stone said.

by CNB