Chop shops are illegal automobile garages that buy stolen cars, disassemble them, and sell the individual parts for a profit. Chop shops often disassemble a car within hours of purchasing it from the thief who stole it—making it difficult for the police and the rightful owner to find the stolen vehicle. Chop shops are often operated in residential garages and small commercial spaces to avoid detection, but are usually part of a large criminal network or organization.
It is a crime under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 2322) to knowingly own, operate, maintain, or control a chop shop. There are significant fines and penalties under federal law for operating a chop shop—up to 15 years imprisonment for a first conviction, with the maximum fine and imprisonment doubled for any subsequent conviction.
States also have criminal laws (located in the penal or criminal code or statutes) that prohibit the operation of a chop shop. An offender may be prosecuted under state chop shop laws in addition to a federal prosecution, or instead of a federal prosecution.
In Ohio, operating a 'chop shop,' as defined under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 2322), is also a criminal offense under state law. Ohio Revised Code § 4549.61 et seq. specifically addresses the issue of chop shops. It is illegal to knowingly own, operate, maintain, or control a chop shop, and the state imposes penalties for those found guilty of such activities. These penalties can include fines, restitution, and imprisonment. The severity of the punishment typically depends on the value of the motor vehicles or parts involved and the offender's criminal history. An individual may face both state and federal charges for operating a chop shop, which could lead to consecutive sentences from both jurisdictions. The state's aim is to deter the disassembly and sale of stolen vehicles, which is a part of a larger effort to combat auto theft and related crimes.
