Providence Man Charged With Stealing Parts From Dealerships

PROVIDENCE, RI—A Providence man was indicted on multiple charges of transportation of stolen property in Connecticut federal court on Tuesday, where prosecutors said he stole rims and tires from luxury car dealerships in multiple states.

According to prosecutors, Michael Frias, 54, and co-conspirators removed rims and tires from numerous cars at dealerships in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island between May 2015 and August 2018. The group then sold the tires and rims at discounted prices.

Frias appeared via video conference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Spector. He was released on $100,000 bond.

The indictment states that Frias faces one count of conspiracy to transport stolen property, which carries a maximum of five years in prison, and one count of interstate transportation of stolen property, which carries a maximum of 10 years in prison.