Search is on for alleged ringleader…
HARRIS COUNTY, TX- On April 20, Sergeant Pleytez of Pct. 4 Constable Mark Herman’s Office launched an undercover probe into a sophisticated auto theft and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) swapping operation along the 27000 block of the Northwest Freeway (US 290). Investigators say the scheme involved stripping VIN plates from stolen vehicles and transferring them onto identical models to mask their origins.
Over the course of the inquiry, deputies recovered three high‑end sports cars— a Chevrolet Corvette Z06, a Camaro ZL1 and a Nissan GT‑R— collectively valued at roughly $225,000. Forensic examination confirmed each vehicle bore falsified VINs and had been reported stolen by its rightful owner.
In the wake of these discoveries, detectives identified Britton Molina as the alleged ringleader. On May 3, 2025, prosecutors charged Molina in District Court 174 with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and filing false information on a title application. The court set his bond at $5,000.
“Britton Molina is currently wanted by law enforcement for aggregate theft,” Constable Herman said. “Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact our dispatch immediately.”
