The Brief
- Seven men face more than 60 years in prison after pleading guilty to a massive Gwinnett County auto break-in ring.
- Authorities say the crew targeted nearly 500 vehicles across the region, stealing guns, cash, and high-end equipment.
- Investigators linked the group to 492 car break-ins using DNA evidence recovered from smashed windows.
GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. – A criminal ring will serve more than 60 years in prison after pleading guilty to breaking into nearly 500 vehicles across Gwinnett County.
Gwinnett County police investigation
What we know:
Members of the “East Point Crew” pled guilty to violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act alongside dozens of theft charges, according to the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors said the group operated out of an East Point safe house in Fulton County, traveling to Gwinnett County to break into dozens of vehicles in a single night.
Between Nov. 24, 2022, and March 28, 2024, the group targeted cargo vans to steal high-end painting equipment, cash, guns and other items. The ring broke into 492 vehicles and stole seven cars, using the stolen vehicles to commit additional thefts in neighboring counties, investigators said.
DNA evidence and gunfire
The backstory:…