Traffic Stop Leads to Chop Shop Activity

On January 28, 2026, deputies with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for an equipment violation. During the stop, deputies discovered the registration plate was fictitious and registered to a different vehicle.

While comparing the vehicle’s paperwork to the VIN displayed on the dashboard, deputies determined the documentation did not match the dash VIN. The driver advised that the paperwork corresponded to the VIN located on the door, which differed from the VIN on the dashboard.

As a result of the discrepancies, the vehicle was seized due to suspected chop shop activity. The seizure initiated a month-long investigation involving multiple agencies across North Carolina, with additional investigative actions and arrests forthcoming.

Chop shop activity involves dismantling, reassembling, or altering vehicle parts—particularly removing or changing VINs—for criminal purposes. These investigations are complex and time-consuming, often requiring coordination and cooperation among multiple local and state agencies. The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the assistance provided by its partnering agencies.

Arrest made thus far for just this incident:

Shane Preston Cooper

Bond secured $45,000.00.

Felony-Purchase/Sell/ MV/Parts Altering ID

Felony Conspiracy

Stevie Milynn Rumfelt

Bond secured $45,000.00.

Felony-Purchase/Sell/ MV/Parts Altering ID

Felony Conspiracy

Michael Casey Devon Silver

Bond secured $45,000.00.

Felony-Purchase/Sell/ MV/Parts Altering ID

Felony Conspiracy

Arrested in Guilford County

Zackery Taylor Eaton

Bond secured $5,000.00.

Felony-Purchase/Sell/ MV/Parts Altering ID

Felony Conspiracy