Drug charges, chop shop bust follow investigation of stolen quad OHVs

LAS VEGAS ( KLAS ) — A chop shop operation that targeted stolen off-highway vehicles (OHVs) was discovered this month by authorities during an unrelated investigation near the far southern tip of Nevada, according to information released Monday by the Mohave County (Arizona) Sheriff’s Office.

Mohave County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Lee Jet Kennedy, 52, on Thursday, Aug. 16, after finding evidence linked to stolen quad OHVs on the Arizona side of the Colorado River near Needles, California. Kennedy faces felony charges that include five counts of theft of means of transportation, theft, owning/ operating a chop shop, possession of dangerous drugs for sale, possession of drug paraphernalia, and tampering with physical evidence.

Three others who were at the property in the 3000 block of Sagebrush Drive in Mohave Valley were also charged.

Sarah Javine Stewart, 37, was arrested on felony charges of possession of dangerous drugs for sale, possession of drug paraphernalia, and misconduct involving weapons-prohibited possessor. Matthew Ray Kormes, 58, and Suann Esther Kormes, 55, face charges of misdemeanor criminal nuisance and public nuisance, along with violations related to dog licenses.

The arrests came nearly a year after a trailer with two quads was reported stolen from a property in Havasu Heights on Sept. 20, 2023. The stolen quads were described as a yellow Honda 400 and a gray Polaris Predator 500.

Officers went to the property on Aug. 9 during an unrelated investigation. The property was the site of numerous calls involving narcotics, stolen vehicles and “wanted persons.” Deputies spotted a quad that had been cut in half. “While on the property, Deputies observed a quad that had been cut in half and bore a factory VIN sticker. A records check revealed the frame to have come from the stolen Polaris Predator 500.”

When deputies returned to the property on Aug. 16 with a search warrant, they were accompanied by Arizona Department of Public Safety officers, SWAT, code enforcement and several other support teams.

Deputies said Kennedy had six additional stolen quads or main quad components, along with methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia “consistent with the sales and distribution of dangerous drugs.”

About 4.5 ounces of methamphetamine and a quarter-ounce of Psylocibin mushrooms were seized as evidence. In addition, deputies said Stewart had a .22 caliber pump action rifle. She is prohibited from possessing firearms.

“Based on the condition of the property, Mohave County Code Enforcement and Mohave County Developmental Services deemed the property hazardous to public health and affixed a 24-hour self-abatement notice,” according to the sheriff’s office.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.