Three men from Charlotte, North Carolina, face federal charges for their alleged involvement in a scheme to steal and transport luxury vehicles across state lines. The indictment, unsealed today, accuses Aquanzae Jamal Switzer, Da’Quante Antwone Banks, and Trajan Dakiel Mack of conspiring to steal vehicles valued at over $5 million.
Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, made the announcement with Jason Byrnes of the United States Secret Service and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department. According to Ferguson, “This multi-state automobile theft ring was organized and sophisticated.”
The indictment alleges that between 2022 and April 2024, the defendants targeted high-end models from brands such as BMW, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Chevrolet, Ford, and Jeep in several states including North Carolina and South Carolina. They reportedly used key fob programmers to steal multiple vehicles at night and conspired with others who drove the stolen cars.
To evade law enforcement detection, temporary tags were used on these vehicles while GPS systems were removed. Allegedly some vehicles were sold below retail value while others were kept for personal use or further schemes.
Each charge carries severe penalties: conspiracy up to five years in prison; possession of a stolen vehicle and interstate transportation each carry up to 10 years. Sentencing will follow consideration of guidelines if they are convicted.
This marks the sixth similar indictment since 2023 in Charlotte’s federal court related to interstate vehicle thefts. Previous cases involved similar charges against other individuals linked to auto theft operations spanning several states.
Ferguson expressed gratitude towards law enforcement agencies including CMPD for disrupting this operation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Bozin and Daniel Ryan will prosecute these cases.
The defendants remain innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court proceedings.
