$660k in stolen vehicles, auto parts seized

ITALY – Twenty-seven stolen vehicles and dozens of stolen vehicle parts have been found on a property in the Ellis County town of Italy.

Tri-County Auto Theft Task Force first got a tip about the stolen vehicles from the Italy Police Department.

Officers made their way onto the property after obtaining two search warrants, where they discovered approximately 27 stolen vehicles and numerous unidentified parts which had been removed from the vehicles.

Based upon National Automobile Dealers Association estimates, the recovered vehicles are valued at $578,175.

The recovered parts were valued at $86,802, making the combined total of recoveries estimated $664,997.

Two people were arrested, Adedeji Awoniyi, 33, and Theria Mitchell, 50.

Both have been charged with engaging in organized criminal activity and theft greater than $300,000.

In addition to law enforcement, the Italy Police Department is responsible for animal control and code enforcement in the city.