Seven Sentenced in Gwinnett County RICO Case Tied to Nearly 500 Vehicle Break-Ins
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – Seven members of an organized auto break-in ring have pleaded guilty to racketeering and other charges stemming from a crime spree involving nearly 500 vehicles across Gwinnett County and surrounding areas.
The defendants targeted vehicles between November 2022 and March 2024, stealing firearms, cash, expensive painting equipment and other property, according to the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office. Authorities said the group also stole vehicles and used them while committing additional break-ins in neighboring counties.
All seven defendants received 20-year sentences, although the amount of time each will spend in prison varies.
“We are glad this crime spree was ended, and we hope this sentencing serves as a deterrent to future criminal enterprises like this,” Gwinnett County District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said.
Seven Plead Guilty to RICO Charges
The defendants were identified as:
- Javaris Cardell Gamble, 25
- Myles David Cameron, 24
- Kylija Devion Yates, 25
- Randy D. Martinez, 27
- Emmanuel Chavarria-Ornelas, 27
- Giovanni Louis Bell, 29
- Kejuan Donarius Miliam, 26
Each pleaded guilty to violating Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, along with multiple charges involving entering automobiles, theft by taking and criminal trespass.
Gamble also pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in connection with gunfire during one of the thefts.
Miliam received the longest prison portion of the sentences at 14 years. Gamble will serve 12 years in prison, while Yates, Cameron and Martinez will each serve 10 years.
Chavarria-Ornelas will serve five years in prison. Bell will serve two years and six months in prison followed by three years of work release.
Cargo Vans, Guns and Cash Targeted
Gwinnett County Police began noticing a pattern in November 2022 involving cargo vans being broken into at night and expensive painting equipment being stolen.
As investigators examined additional cases, authorities connected the defendants to nearly 500 vehicle break-ins committed through March 28, 2024.
Prosecutors said the group stole guns, cash and other property from vehicles. Several vehicles were also allegedly stolen in Gwinnett County and then used by members of the group to commit additional thefts elsewhere.
Investigators determined the defendants were operating from a safe house in the East Point area of Fulton County, where they allegedly returned with stolen property.
Homeowner Shot At After Discovering Break-In
One of the most serious encounters occurred on July 19, 2023.
According to prosecutors, a homeowner discovered members of the group breaking into a vehicle. One of the individuals, who was armed, opened fire on the homeowner.
The homeowner was not struck or injured.
The sprawling investigation involved the Gwinnett County Police Department, Lilburn Police Department, Duluth Police Department, Cobb County Police Department, Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office and Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant District Attorney Selwin Patterson prosecuted the case with assistance from Chief Assistant District Attorney John Melvin, Managing Assistant District Attorney Han Chung, Investigator Jeff Lamphier, Victim Witness Advocate Sara Gardner and Legal Assistant Rachel Scheetz.
