Three sentenced in California for stealing and selling high-performance cars

CALIFORNIA – California attorney general Rob Bonta announced the sentencing of three men who stole 13 high-performance vehicle across multiple counties, posted videos online, and ran a chop shop.

From July 2023 to March 2024, Jesse Venegas, Nathan Olivas, and Christopher Anderson conspired to steal high-performance cars, including Dodge Chargers and Challengers, to sell or use in street takeovers.

The thefts occurred in the counties of El Dorado, Kings, Monterey, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, and Tulare.

Video of stolen cars were uploaded to social media

According to the complaint, Venegas, Olivas and Anderson engaged in a coordinated scheme to steal high-performance vehicles between July 9, 2023 and April 2, 2024.

Venegas and a co-conspirator attempted the crimes by scouting lots, loitering near cars and fleeing police while carrying burglary tools.

The three defendants stole vehicles from dealerships across multiple counties.

They posted videos online to showcase the crimes and offered stolen cars for sale at discounted prices.

Venegas also paid associates to store stolen vehicles, and recruited co-defendants to transport cars or scout locations. Olivas directed a co-conspirator to destroy dealership paperwork to conceal theft.

A Visalia police investigation revealed the three defendants were also involved in operating a chop shop.

Venegas sentenced to 4 years in prison

Over the course of their scheme, the defendants stole 13 vehicles valued at about $600,000. On May 12, 2025, all three pled in El Dorado Superior Court and agreed to pay restitution.

On August 29, 2025, Venegas was sentenced to 4 years and 8 months, Olivas to 2 years and 8 months, and Anderson to 2 years in prison.