Investigation ends with bust of chop shop

Thursday, November 26, 2009
© Copyright 2013 Gwinnett Daily Post

LILBURN -- Gwinnett police busted a Lilburn chop shop disguised as a legitimate dealership this week, seizing 12 stolen motorcycles, authorities said.

A long-term investigation culminated Tuesday when police served a search warrant at Extreme Cycles, 4276 Stone Mountain Highway.

Police arrested one man, Michael Wilmott, 41, of Lilburn. He's accused of fencing stolen motorcycles by removing and altering the Vehicle Identification Numbers, said Gwinnett police spokesman Officer Brian Kelly.

Extreme Cycles sells brands like Harley Davidson and Kawasaki and offers a rent-to-own program, according to its Web site.

"The suspect had knowledge that the vehicles he was selling were in fact stolen," Kelly said.

Wilmott is charged with operating a chop shop and theft by receiving stolen property and stolen vehicles. All are felony counts.

He remains in the Gwinnett County Jail on $82,000 bond, Kelly said. The investigation continues.

Police detectives want to hear from anyone who's rented or purchased motorcycles from Extreme Cycles. A Gwinnett detective can be reached at 770-513-5347.

Gwinnett Daily Post