Chop Shop dismantled in Stephens County

A domestic dispute calls ends with a multi- county/state “Chop Shop Operation” being dismantled and close to $100,000 worth of property recovered.

According to Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley, deputies responded to a domestic dispute call, on Aug. 18, at a residence on Vickery Road.

Upon arrival, deputies found a man bleeding from one of his eyes. Stephens County EMS responded to treat the victim and transported him to Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

Shirley said that “deputies spoke to witnesses on scene who stated that Michael Duane Smith, 39, of Vickery Road started an altercation with Elvis Leon Bates, 48, also of Vickery Road. According to reports, Smith allegedly assaulted Bates.

While deputies were securing the area, they observed an enclosed trailer that had been reported stolen in October of 2017 and notified investigators. Upon the arrival of investigators, a search warrant was obtained and executed, resulting in more stolen property being recovered, including: an excavator and an SUV, both of which had been reported stolen out of South Carolina.

Investigators continued to gather more information about other items that were found on the property and followed up with an additional search warrant during day light hours.

During the second search, investigators located another vehicle which had been disassembled, leading investigators to cross reference some of the part numbers and determined that the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Hall County.

According to Shirley, investigators also recovered a large number of tools from thefts occurring in Stephens County as well as two more utility trailers that had the serial numbers removed.

Smith has been arrested and charged with aggravated battery, aggravated assault and simple battery.

Bates has been arrested and charged with three counts of felony theft by receiving stolen property; two counts of criminal use of an article with altered identification mark; possession of a motor vehicle where the identification had been removed; owning, operating, and conduction a “chop shop;” and misdemeanor theft by receiving stolen property.

Shirley said Investigators are still following up on this case and additional criminal charges and arrests may follow.