The Gwinnett County Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating a group of men who they say dressed up as women to steal items and vehicles from local fitness gyms, and later commit credit card fraud.
During November and December of 2019, detectives identified a series of thefts at local fitness gyms that were similar.
According to police, in these cases, a group of young men — dressed as women — would visit local fitness centers seeking gym memberships. While they were there, they would steal car keys from unsuspecting customers and then steal their vehicles in the parking lot.
The suspects hit Planet Fitness on Rockbridge Road in Stone Mountain in November, Gold’s Gym, on Duluth Highway in Lawrenceville and two Gwinnett County LA Fitness gyms in December.
Some of the victims left their credit cards in their cars. Shortly after the vehicle thefts, the customers would notice fraudulent purchases made using the stolen credit cards.
Once the case was assigned to a detective, he identified two of the suspects as 17-year-old Tarquinnious Mack and 18-year-old Dequavis Smith. Mack has active warrants for Theft by Taking (felony) – 4 counts, FTC Theft – 4 counts, and FTC Fraud – 2 counts. Smith has active warrants for Theft by Taking (felony) – 2 counts, FTC Theft – 2 counts, and FTC Fraud – 1 count.
Their current whereabouts are unknown. Gwinnett Police are looking into the possibility that other suspects could be involved in this crime series.
Some of the vehicles have since been recovered in Atlanta.
Police area asking anyone who knows of Smith or Mack’s whereabouts or knows who else could be involved, to contact GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300.
To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com.
Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case. The case numbers are 19-109915, 19-116857, 19-118032, and 19-120008
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