HARRISBURG — Attorney General Michelle Henry announced charges against four individuals for “smash and grab”-style thefts from dozens of vehicles in numerous western Pennsylvania counties, which were followed by thefts from the victims’ bank accounts.
Amed Henderson, Shaquan Moore, Theresa Imel, and Elizabeth Madden are charged with conspiring to commit the thefts in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Erie, Lawrence, Washington, and Westmoreland counties. The defendants stole credit and bank cards, checks, and ID cards in order to obtain cash from the victims’ accounts. All four are charged with corrupt organizations, conspiracy, identity theft, forgery, and related offenses.
“These invasive, random crimes cause financial stress and strip the victims and their communities of a sense of security,” Attorney General Henry said. “These defendants are charged with breaking into vehicles, often by smashing a window, to steal personal items, and then violating the victims even further by accessing their bank accounts.”
Investigators from multiple police departments tracked down the members of the organization through car rental forms, surveillance, and other tactics.
Henderson and Moore are charged with using rented cars and stolen license plates to scout vehicles parked in public parks, trailhead parking lots, rec centers, gyms, and other short-term parking locations.
After the break-ins, group members accessed the victims’ bank accounts and the group shared the proceeds.
In total, there are 68 victims across 19 different police jurisdictions.
Henderson, 32, of Pittsburgh, is charged with corrupt organization, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, and criminal conspiracy.
Moore, 32, of Pittsburgh, is charged with corrupt organization, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, identity theft, and three counts of criminal conspiracy.
Imel, 43, of Dravosburg, is charged with corrupt organization, criminal conspiracy, and identify theft.
Madden, 33, of Elizabeth, is charged with corrupt organization, criminal conspiracy, and identify theft.
This case is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Alexander Cashman. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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