Effingham County man charged in “chop shop” operation, 8 stolen cars seized

RINCON, Ga. (WTOC) - An Effingham County man is accused of running an illegal “chop shop” operation out of a home in Rincon.

Officials say a man was stealing, dismantling and reselling cars in the Picket Fences subdivision right under his neighbors noses.

After a 2-year investigation, deputies arrested Arthur Young, 49, this week.

He is charged with theft by receiving stolen property and possession of vehicle with altered vin number.

WTOC spoke with a few neighbors who didn’t want go on camera, but say this has always been a relatively safe neighborhood. However, when they saw the massive police presence this week they were curious as to what happened.

According to detectives, Young used his “chop shop” to keep stolen cars, remove the vin numbers and replace them with fake ones.

The operation led to the seizure of eight stolen vehicles, reported stolen from various locations across the state of Georgia.

Young was arrested and charged with several felonies, including theft by receiving stolen property and possession of vehicle with altered vin number.

He is currently out on bond.