HARRISBURG — Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that the ringleader of a $1.6 million, vehicle title-washing criminal organization was captured Thursday at a hotel in Philadelphia County, after two months as a fugitive.
A collaborative investigation between the Office of Attorney General’s Organized Crime and Insurance Fraud Sections, Pennsylvania State Police, and Philadelphia Police Department resulted in charges against 10 individuals (including one juvenile) — with Reginald Manson, Jr. identified as the leader of the organization.
The charges regard thefts of approximately 50 vehicles, which were then given vehicle identification numbers (VIN) from decommissioned vehicles — to conceal the thefts — and resold for profits.
Investigators branded the criminal investigation “Operation Zombie VIN.”
Manson, 45, is charged with felony corrupt organizations, receiving stolen property, forgery, and related felonies and misdemeanors. He was arraigned Thursday night and denied bail, with a district judge citing the “safety of the community” and Manson’s history of absconding.
“The charges filed weeks ago essentially shut down this criminal operation, but we could not rest until the ringleader was found so he could face these very serious charges,” Attorney General Sunday said. “This criminal organization defrauded the Commonwealth’s vehicle titling system and put unsuspecting vehicle buyers at risk.”
Also charged are Kimekia Mayo, Tysherah Dixon, Henry Williams Jr., Manaya Williams, Darryl Sturgis, Lamont King, Montez Wilson, Shyleel Brister, and a male juvenile.
All but Sturgis are in custody/have been arraigned. They each face corrupt organizations and related charges for their respective roles.
Manson is also charged with felony drug trafficking charges regarding 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine that was seized from his storage locker in Montgomery County during the course of the investigation.
The cases will be prosecuted by the Office of Attorney General. Criminal charges, and any discussion thereof, are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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