Rhode Island State Police Arrest Six After Investigation into Alleged Vehicle Theft Ring

www.turnto10.com, NBC 10 News, May 6, 2026

Rhode Island State Police announced six men were arrested after an investigation into an alleged motor vehicle theft ring and chop shop operation in Providence.

The Rhode Island Auto Theft Task Force began the investigation in Oct. 2025 after inspecting a vehicle with irregularities that indicated it had been stolen.

Investigators said they identified a person who had began registration for similar vehicles. According to police, the person, identified as 48-year-old Michael Brown of Cranston, was known to frequent the address suspected of being a chop shop.

Police executed a court-authorized search warrant at the alleged chop shop on Danforth Street.

Officers said they found VIN-altering tools, stolen equipment and a stolen vehicle.

Police executed six arrest warrants and a search warrant on Tuesday. Officers said they found additional stolen vehicle equipment.

In total, police said they seized six stolen vehicles, valuing approximately $500,000.

Officers arrested Brown, 43-year-old Erik Cardoso of North Providence, 44-year-old Emery Lima of Cranston, 47-year-old Jolon O’Connor of Providence, 43-year-old Carlos Rodrigues of Johnston and 33-year-old Sean Swepson of Providence.

Brown was charged with six counts of possession of a stolen vehicle, operation of a chop shop, six counts of alteration of identification number, insurance fraud claim, conspiracy, six counts of possession of a motor vehicle or part with altered identification number, forgery and counterfeiting and false statement to obtain license or registration.

Cardoso was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, forgery and counterfeiting, possession of a motor vehicle or part with altered identification number, conspiracy and false statement to fraudulently obtain license or registration. Continue article