Three Texas men are facing charges for allegedly stealing over $92,000 worth of taillights from Ford F-Series trucks, highlighting a new trend of vehicle thefts. Authorities warn that other rings could emerge targeting this lucrative market.
Texas law enforcement officials issued a warning to Ford F-Series truck owners after dismantling an organized crime ring specializing in stealing taillights from these popular vehicles. Three Texas men, Jimmy Dean Miller, Jaleel D. Fasion, and Sergio Giovanni Sanfilippo, are facing charges of engaging in organized criminal activity for allegedly stealing over $92,000 worth of taillights.
The ring operated between September 2024 and January 2025, targeting 34 victims along the I-45 highway corridor between Houston and Galveston. \Authorities tracked the suspects using surveillance, observing them target high-traffic areas primarily focused on F-350 models, some valued at over $100,000. Webster Police Chief Pete Bacon explained to Fox News Digital that the taillights are attractive to thieves due to the valuable sensors they contain, which are integral to the vehicle's system. The theft process is remarkably swift, taking just seconds for a coordinated team of two or three individuals to remove the taillights. The investigation revealed that the trio sold the stolen parts online through platforms like Facebook Marketplace, with one victim even potentially buying back his own headlights. \Chief Bacon emphasizes the importance of preventative measures for truck owners. He suggests aftermarket tailgate locks or scratching unique identification numbers onto the inside of the taillights to aid in recovery if stolen. Truck owners are advised to consult their dealerships to ensure any security measures don't void their warranties. While Ford did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment, court records confirm the three men are facing criminal charges for the thefts. Fasion has been released from custody, Sanfilippo is out on bond, and Miller, while initially ruled without probable cause, is expected to face charges through a grand jury. The Webster Police Department collaborated with other local law enforcement agencies, including the Galveston County Auto Crimes Task Force, League City Police Department, and Seabrook Police Department, to apprehend the suspects. Chief Bacon warns that this trend could spread, urging truck owners to remain vigilant and protect their vehicles from becoming targets
Organized Crime Vehicle Theft Ford Trucks Taillights Texas Police
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