Suspects used key programmers to target at least 91 vehicles in Broward theft ring, police say

Two of three Broward County men charged with multiple counts of racketeering and grand theft related to a car theft ring appeared before a judge Tuesday morning.

Daronn Grant, 37, of Lauderdale Lakes, is facing 36 charges of racketeering and grand theft, while Ryan Hamitt, 41, of Tamarac, is facing six charges of racketeering and grand theft.

A third suspect, Stokley Lawrence, 29, of Margate, also was named in the probable cause affidavit.

Lauderhill police said the ring operated mostly between July 2017 and May 2018.

At least 91 vehicles have been involved so far, according to Maj. Michael Santiago, spokesman for Lauderhill police.

The vehicle thefts followed a specific pattern. A vehicle was identified through a series of text messages that usually gave a make, model and license plate information. That vehicle became a “target” for theft. Later the participants would get the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). At some point after that the “target” vehicle would be stolen with no sign of forced entry. Most vehicles were never recovered and the ones that were recovered often had altered VINs.

The theft ring was discovered in February 2018 after Grant was walking through an apartment complex parking lot early one morning and was stopped by a Lauderhill police officer. At one point while Grant was being questioned an electronic device that said “key programmer” fell to the ground.

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Police said Grant was arrested for loitering and prowling, and he eventually told the story of how the ring operated. Scouts would search for vehicles of certain makes and models that could be defeated by the key encoder device, they’d take pictures of the VIN and tag, then contact a locksmith to get a “silver key.”

They’d use the “silver key” to unlock the doors and once inside the car they’d use the programming device to create an electronic key that could start the ignition.

Police said Grant’s phone contained information related to 61 vehicles stolen in that fashion between April 5, 2017 and May 16, 2018. Police said Grant’s phone also linked Hamitt and Lawrence to the enterprise.

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Police said Grant completed probation for grand theft in 2019, but now Grant, Hamitt and Lawrence are being charged with racketeering.

Grant is being held on a $46,000 bond at the Broward Main Jail.