Police task force cracks regional theft ring, recovers stolen property, drugs, and guns

A joint operation led by the Wasatch Back Major Crimes Task Force (WBMC) has resulted in six arrests and the recovery of stolen property and drugs linked to a series of burglaries and vehicle thefts across Summit and Wasatch counties.

The multi-agency effort culminated on April 17 with the execution of two search warrants at residences in Heber City. The operation involved WBMC detectives, Wasatch/Heber SWAT, Heber City Patrol, Park City Police investigators, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Utah Attorney General’s Office.

The investigation began in January following a rise in vehicle-related crimes in Heber City, Midway City, and Wasatch County. Similar cases later emerged in Park City, prompting interagency cooperation.

A breakthrough came on April 10, when a vehicle stolen from Heber City was located in Summit County. That discovery led investigators to the suspects’ residences in Heber City.

Six individuals—identified by authorities as undocumented immigrants—were taken into custody without incident. Officers recovered a significant amount of stolen property and cash believed to be tied to more than a dozen burglaries throughout the region. Methamphetamine, distributable quantities of crack cocaine and marijuana, and multiple firearms were also seized.

The suspects were booked into the Wasatch County Jail on several felony and misdemeanor charges, including:

• Theft (value exceeding $5,000)
• Possession with intent to distribute
• Failure to register as a sex offender
• Possession of a firearm by a restricted person
• Forgery
• Five counts of child endangerment