Classic Cars Stolen, Sold for Scrap Metal

Cleveland County detectives discovered that at least three Cleveland County residents were involved in the theft and fraudulent acquisition of vehicles to be sold as scrap metal.

Monday, April 12th 2010, 11:20 am

By: News 9


By Gan Matthews, NEWS 9

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- Cleveland County detectives discovered that at least three Cleveland County residents were involved in the theft and fraudulent acquisition of vehicles to be sold as scrap metal.

The investigation began when a Lexington man reported that he had sold a truck to another man, but the buyer never paid for the vehicle. Detectives learned that immediately following the sale, the truck was taken to a Lexington salvage yard and sold for scrap metal.

Detectives then discovered that more people were involved in obtaining scrap vehicles. The vehicles included two classic 50's model Chevrolet cars, a 1948 Hudson Hornet and a Studebaker pickup truck.

"Although these were not in pristine condition or classic ready for show, the parts at the very least would amount to much more than what they was actually received in cash for the vehicles being sold as scrap," said Detective Scott Singer.

The Cleveland County Sheriff's Office said the price of scrap metal has recently climbed from $60 per ton to $200 per ton. That price spiral is a temptation to the unscrupulous to steal vehicles to sell them for scrap.

Michael W. Wilkins, 42, and Joshua K. Gabehart, 19, were charged in Cleveland County District Court with two counts of Larceny of a Motor Vehicle and one count each of Conspiracy to Commit Felony Crimes. Additional charges were filed against Robert M. Jeffrey, 30, for one count of Larceny of a Motor Vehicle and one count of Conspiracy to Commit a Felony Crime.

"It's the few that ruin it for the many. The guys that are out there trying to make an honest dollar--it makes it rough on you," said Ronnie Argo with A&B's Auto Recyclers.

To get paid for scrap metal is a process, including paperwork.

"We take a copy of the driver's license, and we take a VIN number and the year and the make off the car," said Anne Horn with A&B's Auto Recyclers.

By law no proof of ownership is required if the car is more than ten years old. So the owners of the yard didn't know some of the classic cars on their lot had been stolen.

Unfortunately the investigation came too late for two of the cars. The Sheriff said the work of Detective Mark Drummond was instrumental in solving the case.

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