Authorities accuse recycling company of buying stolen cars
Oct 17, 2013, 6:20 AM | Updated: 6:20 am
PHOENIX — State and county authorities Wednesday accused a recycling company with salvage yards in Phoenix, Coolidge and Tucson of buying stolen cars for the scrap metal.
More than 12 people had been arrested as part of Operation Tin Man, which focused on Hendrix and Co. Recycling, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
“They provided opportunities for people that steal cars to dispose of those vehicles,” DPS Capt. Bruce Campbell said.
Authorities said they served 15 warrants at salvage yards owned by Hendrix.
“If you’ve got stolen silverware, people know where the crooked pawn shops might be,” Campbell said. “Same thing with recyclables and salvage yards.”
Robert Halliday, director of DPS, said charges will include trafficking stolen property, fraudulent schemes, money laundering, conspiracy and operation of a criminal enterprise.
There was no answer late Wednesday afternoon at Hendrix and Co. Recycling’s office in Phoenix. A message said the voicemail was full.
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, Arizona Attorney General’s Office and the Pinal County Attorney’s Office have been working on the case for 15 months.
