Maryland State Wire

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland has unsealed a 22-count indictment against Charles Edwards Madden, a Jamaican national residing in New Carrolton, Maryland, and Michael R. Bourne from New York, New York. The charges include conspiracy to commit wire fraud, operating a chop shop, sale or receipt of stolen vehicles, and trafficking in motor vehicles with altered vehicle identification numbers (VINs).

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment alongside Steven J. Jensen from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Washington Field Office and Chief George Nader of the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD).

The indictment alleges that Madden and Bourne engaged in a scheme from January 2020 to June 2024 to buy and sell stolen vehicles across the United States. They allegedly altered VINs to hide their activities from law enforcement.

Madden and Bourne are accused of combining parts from salvaged vehicles and selling them while concealing their salvage status. It is claimed they obtained over $1 million worth of stolen vehicles during this period.

If convicted, both men face significant prison time: up to 20 years for wire fraud conspiracy, 10 years for selling or receiving stolen vehicles, and another 10 years for trafficking in motor vehicles. Additionally, Madden faces up to 15 years for operating a chop shop.

Federal sentences are typically less than maximum penalties as determined by a federal district court judge considering various guidelines.

It is important to note that an indictment is not proof of guilt; those charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

U.S. Attorney Hayes praised the FBI and PGPD's efforts in this investigation and acknowledged Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan S. McKoy along with Trial Attorneys Amy Schwartz and Alyssa Levey-Weinstein for prosecuting the case.

Further information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office can be found at justice.gov/usao-md.