FORNEY, Texas — Investigators say a recent raid at TNA Marina in Forney may mark one of the largest boat theft rings in the state and a search warrant inventory sheet, obtained by inForney.com, gives us a look at what was seized by police.
FORNEY, Texas — Investigators say a recent raid at TNA Marina in Forney may mark one of the largest boat theft rings in the state and a search warrant inventory sheet, obtained by inForney.com, gives us a look at what was seized by police.
One person has been arrested in connection with the investigation and a search and arrest warrant identifies at least four other individuals suspected in their involvement in the theft ring.
On Wednesday, May 15, 2019, multiple law enforcement agencies and auto theft task forces converged on locations throughout the DFW metroplex — including TNA Marina at 10758 U.S. Highway 80 in Forney.
Kaufman County Precinct 2 Constable Jason Johnson tells inForney.com 12 boats, eight jet skis, a truck, and two trailers were among some of the items seized during Wednesday's raid. Six of the boats had previously been reported stolen and the other six had altered vehicle identification numbers, or VINs. Investigators are also working to positively identify at least six other boats at that location.
Among the boats seized was a high-dollar Nordic speed boat, valued at more than $100,000, which was reported stolen out of Arizona.
One of the trailers seized was suspected in diesel fuel theft — notably a 1,600-gallon diesel fuel theft case in Grapevine, Texas, that made regional news headlines earlier this year. The other trailer was identified as a Dallas Cowboys trailer with no serial or VIN that had three flat-screen TVs and various other parts.
The seized truck was identified as a tan Chevrolet pickup with two license plates and had been reported stolen.
Two of the identified jet skis were Sea Doo models, one with an altered VIN. A Welcraft boat and trailer had an altered VIN and had been reported stolen. A black Honda moped and a Mitsubishi forklift were seized as they were reported stolen. A seized dump trailer had its VIN removed. Two four-wheelers, a Kawasaki dirt bike, and a GTS go-kart had altered or removed VINs.
Some items reported stolen from area construction sites that were seized were listed as 17 interior doors, two Whirlpool refrigerators, two Whirlpool appliances, one Whirlpool range, and a dishwasher. Other various items on the inventory list include air compressors, generators, power tools, welders, fuel pumps, plastic containers with diesel fuel, approximately two dozen various containers of plumbing equipment and supplies, and lumber.
Police are also working to identify and interview customers who may have taken their boats or jet skis to TNA Marina for service as some customers' property had been sold without their consent or knowledge. Johnson says some customers' boats had been at the shop for maintenance for several years and had been parted out or sold.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact the Precinct 2 Constable's Office at (972) 564-4054 or the Kaufman County Crime Stoppers at (877) 847-7522.
Johnson says arrest warrants for several other individuals will likely be issued this week in connection with the case. Abraham Benavides was arrested last week while law enforcement agencies were simultaneously raiding a suspected theft location in Irving, Texas.
This is a developing story.