Jackson Man Sentenced for Role in Vehicle Theft Organization
Summary
The Michigan Attorney General announced the sentencing of Josiah Capetillo to 3-20 years for his role in a vehicle theft organization. Capetillo pled guilty to Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, and a co-defendant faces sentencing for operating a chop shop. The investigation was conducted by the FORCE Team and Michigan State Police.
What changed
The Michigan Attorney General's office has announced the sentencing of Josiah Capetillo to 3 to 20 years in prison for his involvement in a criminal organization responsible for vehicle thefts across Michigan. Capetillo pleaded guilty to Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, and his co-defendant, Brendan McClure, also pleaded guilty to charges related to operating a chop shop and receiving stolen vehicles. The organization was involved in thefts from various locations including dealerships and casinos, with stolen vehicles being dismantled and sold for parts.
This enforcement action highlights the state's commitment to dismantling organized criminal networks involved in vehicle theft. Regulated entities, particularly those in the automotive and retail sectors, should be aware of such operations and cooperate with law enforcement investigations. While Capetillo has been sentenced, his co-defendant McClure is awaiting sentencing on April 17, 2026. The Attorney General's FORCE Team continues to investigate and prosecute these crimes, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with law enforcement and retailers to combat organized retail crime.
What to do next
- Review internal controls related to vehicle inventory and security.
- Report suspicious activities or known organized retail crime patterns to law enforcement.
- Stay informed about ongoing enforcement actions and trends in organized retail crime.
Penalties
3-20 years incarceration
Source document (simplified)
Jackson Man Sentenced for Role in Organization Responsible for Vehicle Thefts
March 17, 2026
LANSING – Josiah Capetillo, 24, of Jackson, was sentenced on March 13 by Judge Sarah Lincoln in the 37 th District Court to 3-20 years’ incarceration for his role in a criminal organization responsible for the thefts of vehicles across Michigan, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Capetillo pled guilty to Conducting a Criminal Enterprise in December 2025. A co-defendant, Brendan McClure, 24, of Jackson, also pled guilty on January 29 to one count of Operating a Chop Shop and two counts of Receiving/Concealing a Stolen Motor Vehicle.
In the summer of 2023, Capetillo participated in seven vehicle thefts from the Chrysler Chelsea Proving Grounds, the Firekeepers Casino in Battle Creek, and a number of dealerships in Rockford, Bay City, Schoolcraft Township, and Wyoming. Capetillo would sell stolen vehicles for profit. McClure operated a chop shop in a large barn located in Marshall, where he would dismantle stolen vehicles and sell their parts.
Capetillo was initially charged by the Department of Attorney General in April 2025 with one count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise and seven counts of Receiving/Concealing a Stolen Motor Vehicle. McClure was also initially charged in April 2025 with one count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, one count of Operating a Chop Shop and four counts of Receiving/Concealing a Stolen Motor Vehicle. This matter was investigated by the Focused Organized Retail Crime Enforcement (FORCE) Team and the Michigan State Police South West Auto Theft Team (SCAR).
“Organized criminal networks that carry out vehicle thefts not only have an impact on the victims but also on the overall safety of our state,” said Attorney General Nessel. “I am proud of the work my FORCE Team and Michigan State Police do day in and day out to keep our communities safe and will continue working to dismantle these operations and hold those who participate in these criminal enterprises accountable.”
McClure will be sentenced on April 17 in the 37 th District Court.
The FORCE Team was established in January 2023 by the Attorney General to target criminal organizations that steal products from retailers to repackage and sell for a profit. Two assistant attorneys general serve the unit full time, working with special agents within the Department of Attorney General and Michigan State Police detectives to investigate and prosecute these crimes. The FORCE team also partners with the FBI’s Detroit Fraud and Financial Crimes Task Force and the Postal Inspection Service. This is a first-in-the-nation unit, unique in the 50 states as being the first such unit with embedded, dedicated staff from the Department of Attorney General.
The FORCE Team is dedicated to working collaboratively with retailers and local law enforcement agencies to combat organized retail crime. Recent corporate partners on investigations have included Sam’s Club/Walmart, Meijer, Target, Home Depot, TJ Maxx, Rite-Aid, Lululemon, Ulta Beauty, Amazon, and Lowe’s.
MI Newswire Attorney General Press Release Organized Retail Crime (FORCE) Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer
Press Secretary
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