JCSO, SLED arrest 2 after search finds suspected chop shop in Jasper County

JASPER COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) - The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, working with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, arrested two people after investigators say they uncovered evidence of an illegal vehicle dismantling and alteration operation at Cano’s Auto Care in Hardeeville.

Authorities said they received anonymous reports of suspicious activity at the business in April and May. On May 12, SLED agents and sheriff’s investigators executed a search warrant and found evidence consistent with a chop shop, officials said.

Investigators reported recovering three vehicles reported stolen, multiple firearms and ammunition, a trailer with a hidden vehicle identification number, and a Ford F-150 pickup truck with an altered VIN.

Alberto Cano Najera was charged with operating a chop shop, three counts of possession of a stolen vehicle, altering a VIN to conceal a vehicle’s identity, and 15 firearms-related charges, including allegations involving possession or sale to an undocumented person, authorities said.

Roberto Cano Najera was charged with operating a chop shop, officials said.

The investigation is ongoing.