Car Dealership Raided; 2 Held in Theft Ring Case

Sheriff’s deputies raided an auto dealership in the Walnut area Tuesday and arrested two men for allegedly switching the identification numbers on stolen cars and selling them. Some of the cars were exported to Mexico and South America, Deputy George Ducoulombier said.

Deputies armed with search warrants arrested Rodrigo Redondo, 35, at the Advance Auto Sales lot at 19600 E. Valley Blvd. in Walnut, and George Mano, 50, at his home in Torrance. Ducoulombier said deputies also seized seven vehicles at the car lot.

Although the suspects are not believed to be members of a large car-theft ring, Ducoulombier said an investigation that began in September determined they had been receiving stolen cars and switching identification numbers. The scheme was uncovered after authorities received an anonymous tip. Each was being held on $50,000 bond.