Texas law enforcement has issued a warning to Ford F-series truck owners following the arrest of three men accused of stealing taillights from high-end models of the popular truck. The suspects, identified as Jimmy Dean Miller, Jaleel D. Fasion, and Sergio Giovanni Sanfilippo, face charges of engaging in organized criminal activity after allegedly stripping over $92,000 worth of taillights from vehicles across the region.
The thefts occurred between September 2024 and January 2025, affecting 34 victims, according to the Webster Police Department. The suspects targeted primarily F-350 trucks, which can cost upwards of $100,000 for newer models. The operation spanned the I-45 highway corridor between Houston and Galveston, where authorities utilized surveillance to track the men as they moved through high-traffic areas.
Webster Police Chief Pete Bacon explained that the stolen taillights are sought after due to the expensive sensors they contain, which are integral to the luxury vehicle systems. The thieves could remove the lights quickly, often in under a minute, by simply unscrewing them from the trucks. This efficiency allowed them to operate without drawing much attention.
The investigation revealed that the stolen parts were being sold online, particularly on platforms like Facebook Marketplace. In a bizarre twist, one theft victim reportedly ended up purchasing his own taillights back. Chief Bacon emphasized the need for truck owners to take precautions, such as installing aftermarket tailgate locks or marking their taillights with identifiable numbers.
The arrests were made possible through collaboration among multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Galveston County Auto Crimes Task Force and the League City Police Department. While Fasion has been released from custody, Sanfilippo is currently out on bond. Miller’s case is under review, as a magistrate judge found no probable cause for his charges, but prosecutors plan to refile them through a grand jury.
Bacon cautioned that while the arrests may have disrupted this particular group, the trend of taillight thefts could continue as other criminals may seek to capitalize on the same lucrative market. He urged truck owners to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting their vehicles.