Forsyth Co. man charged with operating a Chop Shop

CUMMING - A 39-year-old Forsyth County man was arrested after a tip from a concerned citizen led to the discovery of a Chop Shop at his home, according to the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office.

Charles Davis McClendon of 5282 Hyde Road is charged with Forgery in the Second Degree, Theft by Receiving, two counts of Theft by Receiving a Motor Vehicle, Theft of Services, Owning and Operating a Chop Shop, and Possession of a Schedule 4 Narcotic.

According to Lt. Col. Gene Moss of the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, the tipster said cars were being "chopped up and cut up with torches and saws" at McClendon's home. Moss says the investigation turned up a car that had been reported stolen in Lumpkin County August 30, as well as three other vehicles that had been stolen since August 16.

"Torches had been used to burn over the VINs (Vehicle Identification Numbers)," added Maj. Dan Jagoe of the sheriff's office's Criminal Investigations Division. "This was a large operation. There were three out buildings filled with car parts and tools."

Investigators and the Sheriff's Office Crime Scene Unit spent two and a half days searching and collecting evidence at the Hyde Road location. Major Jagoe added that the investigation is continuing and other charges and arrests could be made.

"This is just another example of a citizen being observant and knowing who their neighbors are and what is going on," added Lt. Col. Moss.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/9/241729