A parole check at a property on the edge of Yucca Valley led to the discovery of stolen vehicles and an arrest.
A Yucca Valley man already on parole was arrested for suspicion of operating a “chop shop.” According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff, Keith Hencil was contacted at a residence in the 1800 block of Wamego Trail just after midnight on Friday, March 1st . During a parole search, deputies say they found stolen vehicles. The investigation was handed over to the San Bernardino County Auto Theft Task Force – or SANCATT.
Keith Hencel, 42, was arrested for suspected operation of a Chop Shop – which California Vehicle Code 25 describes as “any premises where a motor vehicle or their parts is obtained by theft, fraud, or conspiracy and altered, destroyed, disassembled or dismantled. It can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
In this case, the suspect is facing one count of suspicion of “Owning or operating a chop shop” – and it is being charged as a felony – alongside three counts of buying or receiving stolen property. He’s also facing additional charges from prior felony convictions. On Wednesday the 6th, Keith Hencel entered a plea of “Not Guilty” on all charges.
We contacted SANCATT for more information on the chop shop arrest and will update this story as more details become available.
Previously Reported:
