An eight month investigation into the theft of truck tires conducted by several agencies has resulted in the arrest of three Jersey City men facing multiple charges, according to police.
William Kenny Wilson, 55, Frederick Dupree, 52, and Larry Aron Johnson, 51, were arrested on Sunday evening and charged with multiple counts of second degree theft and conspiracy to commit theft authorities said.
The investigation is continuing and more charges are expected.
The investigation - spearheaded by Linden Detective Matt Damatta - began after at least three trucks were stolen from Linden truck depots.
The suspects would scout locations where trucking yards were located and would steal sometimes three trucks in one night, targeting newer leased models.
Authorities said that the men would take the tractors to industrial areas in Newark and Jersey City where they would remove the tires and rims and leave the tractors on cement blocks.
It is estimated that the suspects stole 25 tractors valued at approximately $2.5 million.
Nearly all were recovered minus the tires and rims.
All three suspects are being held at the Union County Jail, Wilson on $80,000 bail, and Dupree and Johnson on $40,000 bail, pending a court appearance.