Seven arrested in connection to chop shop

Seven people reported to be involved in an auto-theft ring have been arrested in connection with operating a chop shop In Willows, the California Highway Patrol said Tuesday.

It was the last step in an 18-month, multi-agency investigation that began with an enforcement stop in August 2010, said Willows Public Information Officer Rodney Pozzi.

It was during that enforcement stop for a mechanical violation that a Willows CHP officer suspected the vehicle's engine did not belong to the vehicle.

His report to the Glenn County District Attorney and the CHP's Northern Division Investigative Services Unit, resulted in a lengthy investigation by the CHP, the Willows and Chico police departments, and Glenn and Butte counties sheriff's offices that included extensive surveillance of multiple people believed to be involved in the operation.

The CHP said the investigation revealed a pattern of stolen vehicles taken to remote areas in Glenn and Butte counties, where they were reportedly taken apart for the purpose of selling their parts.

On June 29, the joint-agency investigation team served warrants on five locations that turned up five stolen vehicles, two engines and 44 miscellaneous auto parts, the CHP said.

A warrant for the arrest of Cheng Kong Yang, 23, of Willows, was served at the Glenn County Jail on Friday, where Yang is being held in connection with another crime.

Yang was identified last spring as a possible ring-leader and person of interest in connection with the chop shop operation, the CHP said.

Yang was brought from his cell to the booking counter and informed of the new arrest warrant charging with multiple felonies, including owing a chop shop where stolen vehicles were stripped and sold for parts, Glenn County Sheriff Larry Jones said Tuesday.

Yang was also charged with conspiracy to commit auto theft, conspiracy to operate a chop shop, extortion of a motor vehicle and theft of a motor vehicle.

His bail on the new charges was set at $195,000.

Six others, all Willows residents believed to be involved in the auto theft ring, turned themselves into the Glenn County Jail where they were booked on felony charges, Jones said.

Lee Xiong, 21, was charged with conspiracy to commit a crime. Her bail was set at $20,000.

Toua Lee, 20, was charged with theft or extortion of a motor vehicle, owning a chop shop, burglary, vehicle theft and conspiracy to commit a crime. His bail was set at $85,000.

Eric Yang, 20, was charged with purchasing or receiving a stolen vehicle, owning a chop shop, taking a vehicle without the owner's consent and conspiracy to commit a crime. His bail was set at $90,000.

Paul Mak Thaq, 25, was charged with owning a chop shop, taking a vehicle without consent of the owner and conspiracy to commit a crime. His bail was set at $50,000.

Shoua Yang, 22, was charged with theft or extortion of a vehicle, owning a chop shop, taking a vehicle without owner's consent and conspiracy to commit a crime.

His bail was set at $70,000.

Jeno Michael Yang, 21, was charged with theft or extortion of a vehicle, taking a vehicle without the owner's consent, owning a chop shop and conspiracy to commit a crime. His bail was set at $80,000.