WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill. (WJPF) – Police in Williamson County are investigating a St. Louis Based Criminal Enterprise.
The enterprise is responsible for the theft of hundreds of vehicles beginning as far back as 2019.
On October 31 around 8:20pm, a Spillertown Police Officer attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation.
The vehicle fled from the officer traveling northbound on Interstate 57 reaching speeds of 125 mph before running out of gas just south of West Frankfort.
The driver, Armon Cameron, was charged with Aggravated Fleeing To Elude, Speeding, No Valid Drivers License, Disobeying Traffic Control Device, No Valid Registration, and Improper Lane Usage
The registered owner of the vehicle was a 17 year old Marion resident. It was discovered that Cameron had just purchased the vehicle minutes earlier.
A review of that transaction confirmed the $26,000 payment method (bank check) was fraudulent.
During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that this St. Louis based criminal enterprise has been fraudulently acquiring as many as 10 vehicles a week across a three state region.
Cameron was charged with the Possession Of Stolen Vehicle, Conspiracy To Commit Vehicle Theft, Conspiracy To Commit Check Fraud, and Forgery.
He remains in custody of the Williamson County Jail.
The vehicle was returned undamaged to its rightful owner.
Additional related vehicle theft cases have been identified and are being investigated in Williamson and at least one surrounding county with more anticipated.
