By Liz Hayes

Published: Friday, November 16, 2012, 12:41 a.m.
Updated: Friday, November 16, 2012

Four Maryland residents face federal charges for their alleged involvement in the theft of motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and tractors from several dealerships, including one in West Deer.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Pittsburgh on Thursday announced the indictment of Harvey Leemore, 36, of Essex; Rodney D. Deminds Jr., 23, of Belcamp; and Collin D. Powell, 22, and Trea C. Powell, 23, both of Baltimore.

The new charges of conspiracy and interstate transportation of stolen motor vehicles supersede a previous indictment on similar charges against Leemore, U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton announced.

Investigators allege from July 2011 to April 2012 Leemore and the Powells, accompanied by at least one other unidentified person, traveled from the Baltimore area to dealerships in Pennsylvania and Virginia to steal the vehicles.

Deminds allegedly participated in thefts or attempted thefts at least twice, the indictment alleges.

Four motorcycles, 12 ATVs and five lawn tractors allegedly were stolen, then resold in Baltimore.

West Deer business hit

Crossroads Motorsports at Route 910 and Oak Road in West Deer was victimized. Police said four motorcycles, six ATVs and other equipment worth a total of $85,000 were stolen from Crossroads in September 2011.

The other Pennsylvania dealerships are located in Gaines, Tioga County; Ebensburg and Altoona. A Purcellville, Va., dealer also was burglarized.

Hickton's office said Leemore and the Powells, if convicted, each face prison sentences of 25 to 45 years and fines of $750,000 to $1.25 million. If found guilty, Deminds faces as many as five years in prison and as much as a $250,000 fine.

Pennsylvania State Police, the Western Pennsylvania Auto Theft Task Force and FBI investigated the thefts.

Liz Hayes is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 724-226-4680 or lhayes@tribweb.com.

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