SAN ANTONIO — The Bexar County Sheriff's Office says a yearlong investigation the agency dubbed "Hellcat Mike" has resulted in stolen cars recovered and multiple men arrested, but at least two others are still wanted for their alleged involvement.
Sheriff Javier Salazar says the investigation is centered around an individual, Michael Wilson, who they have called Hellcat Mike. Upon hearing he was selling high-end vehicles with parts that were potentially stolen, Salazar said, deputies began investigating a ring of suspects led by Wilson who were operating out of an industrial park in the 1000 block of Basse Road.
They're accused of stealing cars, as well as engines and other parts from higher-performance vehicles, then building and selling Frankenstein versions.
“They would steal a regular run-of-the-mill Dodge Charger, but then also steal a Hellcat, which is a high-end Dodge Charger," Salazar said. "They would take everything out of that high-end vehicle, put it on the lower end, and next thing you know you've got a Hellcat.”
Deputies say they would then sell the vehicle online at about half the retail price.
Four men have so far been charged in connection with the operation, including 37-year-old Wilson, 33-year-old George Santibanez, 18-year-old Michael Santibanez and 20-year-old Ethan Soto.
Salazar said it was about a year ago that BCSO first became aware of Hellcat Mike and his alleged operations.
“So we began watching," he said. "What we started doing was identifying workers of his, lower-ranking members of his criminal organization, and started targeting them.”
Deputies say so far they have recovered about $750,000 in stolen cars and parts. But they expect millions more in car parts and vehicles are still on the road.
Two more suspects are wanted in connection with the theft ring: Jodacy Santibanez and Augustin Gallegos, both 18 years old.
Deputies also urge the public to be on the lookout for other Dodge Chargers with a larger version of the typical Hellcat logo on it, saying it could be a calling card of Hellcat Mike wrapped around possibly stolen cars.
“If anybody out there has a neighbor or lives in an apartment complex, works with somebody that has a big Hellcat symbol on it, we kind of want to know about it," Salazar said. "It's quite possible these people are driving around in stolen cars for years at a time."
Anyone with information is urged to contact BCSO at (210) 335-6000 or bcsotips@bexar.org.
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