After a year-long investigation, three men are in custody for an alleged auto theft ring spanning several communities across Michigan.

Investigators say the trio targeted high-end vehicles worth at least $1.5 million.

The thefts were reported from the General Motors CVO Lot in Warren, the Ford Flat Rock Assembly Plant, the GM Lansing Assembly Plant, the Troy Motor Mall - Suburban Cadillac of Troy, and the Ford Oakwood Plant lot in Detroit. The stolen vehicles included a 2026 Hummer EV, a 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ and five 2026 Ford Mustangs. There were also attempts to steal four 2026 Cadillac CT5 vehicles.

"Our team began an investigation in the city of Warren, over at General Motors, where numerous vehicles were stolen from their lot. And then that investigation began to expand to Flat Rock, to Lansing and other places," said Commander Jason Abro of the Macomb County Sheriff's Office.

Leondre Jones, 21, is charged with conducting a criminal enterprise. His bond was set at $400,000. Lemel Watley-Neely, 25, was charged with conducting a criminal enterprise and given a $500,000 bond. Jayvon Williams, 33, was also charged with conducting a criminal enterprise and issued a $750,000 bond. 

"They were taking these vehicles and attempting to get them re-tagged, finding someone that was able to put a VIN on them and then driving them on our roadways," Abro said.

Arraignment hearings took place Sept. 19 in the 37th District Court in Warren. All three remain lodged at Macomb County Jail. 

"We've been throwing everything in our toolbox at this issue to combat this type of crime. You know, a lot of people will say, 'Well, it's a victimless crime,' but it's not because it affects business, it affects families, it affects communities," Abro said.

"We're continuing our investigation. There's other suspects out there, and we're not going to rest until we wait for every single individual that's involved."

The Macomb Auto Theft Squad is a task force that includes officers from the Macomb County Sheriff's Office, Center Line Public Safety, Clinton Township Police Department, Roseville Police Department and Sterling Heights Police Department. The task force has also assigned staff from the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office.