Six arrested in alleged Providence chop shop investigation

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Island State Police said six men were taken into custody following an investigation into an alleged vehicle theft ring and chop shop operation based in Providence.

Investigation began in 2025

According to investigators, the Rhode Island Auto Theft Task Force launched the case in October 2025 after examining a vehicle with suspicious signs indicating it may have been stolen.

During the investigation, authorities identified registration activity involving several similar vehicles. Police said the activity led them to 48-year-old Michael Brown of Cranston, who was known to frequent a Providence property suspected of operating as a chop shop.

Search warrant executed in Providence

State police said investigators eventually executed a court-authorized search warrant at a property on Danforth Street in Providence tied to the alleged operation.

Authorities allege the operation involved stolen vehicles, altered identification numbers, forged documents, and fraudulent registration activity.

Multiple charges filed

Michael Brown, 48, Cranston

• Six counts of possession of a stolen vehicle
• Operation of a chop shop
• Six counts of alteration of an identification number
• Insurance fraud claim
• Conspiracy
• Six counts of possession of a motor vehicle or part with an altered identification number
• Forgery and counterfeiting
• False statement to obtain a license or registration

Erik Cardoso, 43, North Providence

• Possession of a stolen vehicle
• Forgery and counterfeiting
• Possession of a motor vehicle or part with an altered identification number
• Conspiracy
• False statement to fraudulently obtain a license or registration

Emery Lima, 44, Cranston

• Five counts of possession of a stolen vehicle
• Five counts of possession of a motor vehicle or part with an altered identification number
• Six counts of alteration of an identification number
• Operation of a chop shop
• Conspiracy

Jolon O’Connor, 47, Providence

• Four counts of possession of a stolen vehicle
• Four counts of possession of a motor vehicle or part with an altered identification number
• Six counts of alteration of an identification number
• Operation of a chop shop
• Conspiracy

Carlos Rodrigues, 43, Johnston

• Two counts of possession of a stolen vehicle
• Two counts of possession of a motor vehicle or part with an altered identification number
• Conspiracy

Sean Swepson, 33, Providence

• Six counts of possession of a stolen vehicle
• Six counts of alteration of an identification number
• Six counts of possession of a motor vehicle or part with an altered identification number
• Forgery and counterfeiting
• Operation of a chop shop
• Conspiracy
• False statement to fraudulently obtain a license or registration