Detroit Man Sentenced for Role in Major Southeast Michigan Auto Theft Ring

Davonta Jones, a 31-year-old Detroit man, was sentenced to 15 months to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to conducting a criminal enterprise linked to a large-scale auto theft ring responsible for stealing over 400 cars across Southeast Michigan. The criminal organization targeted new vehicle storage lots, car dealerships, parking lots, and residences, selling stolen vehicles on the black market at significantly reduced prices. The investigation, which began in August 2023 and involved multiple law enforcement agencies including the Troy Police Department and the FORCE Team, led to the sentencing of Jones and at least 11 other members of the ring. Additionally, Angelo Rickey Smith II, who was involved in a 2021 high-speed chase while fleeing police in a stolen vehicle and caused a fatal crash, was sentenced to 15 to 50 years in prison. The court considered Smith's mental vulnerabilities and lack of prior criminal record in his sentencing. Both cases highlight ongoing efforts by Michigan law enforcement to combat organized auto theft and related violent crimes in the region.