The primary suspect in a Southwest Florida auto-theft ring told detectives his addiction to methamphetamine prompted the crimes, but his desire to taunt authorities kept him motivated.
Detectives from the Lee, Collier, Hendry and Glades county sheriff’s offices shared information to bust the crime ring. The investigation began in late 2014 and continued in early 2015 after several thefts of Ford F-series trucks were stolen across the region.
Detectives, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshal’s Office, arrested Eddie Deleon, 35, who told them he and his co-conspirators honed their trade by watching online tutorial videos. He said he was addicted to meth, and that feeding his habit was his initial goal. However, after seeing himself profiled by Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers, his goal became to taunt authorities.
Also arrested are David Ressie Dix, 49, Dennis Lamar Flint, 49, and Charles W. Sikes, 28.
Additional suspects are being sought.
