Zoerner Praises KDOG-Led Investigation That Helped Dismantle Multi-State Car Theft and Money Laundering Operation

Sheriff David Zoerner is proud to recognize the work of the Kenosha Drug Operations Group (KDOG) and its role in a complex, multi-year investigation that led to federal charges against numerous individuals involved in a sophisticated interstate vehicle theft and money laundering operation.

The investigation began in 2022 when Kenosha County deputies recovered a license plate along a rural highway. The plate was later determined to be associated with a stolen vehicle out of Milwaukee. That single discovery triggered a long-term, multi-agency investigation led by KDOG detectives.

Over the course of approximately three years, KDOG detectives worked in coordination with federal, state, and local partners and executed numerous search warrants across Wisconsin and Illinois, including locations in La Crosse, Madison, Sun Prairie, Milwaukee, Racine, Chicago, and surrounding areas. The investigation ultimately identified multiple individuals tied to a large-scale criminal enterprise involving the theft and resale of high-end vehicles.

Authorities determined that high-value vehicles were being stolen from residential areas and airport parking facilities using advanced electronic scanning and cloning equipment. Investigators found that vehicle identification numbers (VINs), plates, and other identifiers were being altered or swapped before the vehicles were resold across multiple states, including Nevada, Florida, and Georgia, often at significantly reduced prices.

Proceeds from the stolen vehicle sales were allegedly funneled through shell companies and LLCs, then used to acquire real estate assets as part of a broader money laundering operation. Investigators also uncovered related criminal activity involving stolen firearms, counterfeit vehicle documentation, credit card cloning devices, and other stolen property. A drug trafficking nexus was also identified in Indiana involving large-scale distribution of heroin and methamphetamine.

In total, 23 individuals were federally indicted in connection with the investigation. Among those identified were Diaunte Shields, Casha Griffin, Brianna Shields, Lashawn Davis Jr., and Meliek McClarn, along with additional co-conspirators.

The investigation was conducted with the assistance of numerous partner agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, the Sun Prairie Police Department, and the Wheaton Police Department.

“The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office is honored to have played a key role in this extensive investigation alongside our federal and local partners. What began as a recovered license plate in Kenosha County ultimately led to the identification and federal indictment of 23 individuals involved in a sophisticated criminal network. I am extremely proud of the work of KDOG detectives, who followed the evidence, developed critical leads, and helped bring this organization to justice.”

Sheriff Zoerner emphasized that this case reflects the importance of proactive policing and interagency collaboration in combating organized crime that crosses jurisdictional boundaries. The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to supporting complex investigations that disrupt criminal enterprises, protect communities, and hold offenders accountable.