Two charged in truck stop crime spree - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

Police have arrested two people in connection to a massive truck-stop crime spree investigation spanning two counties.

Cassandra Green and Rosoda Satchell face charges for taking wallets, cash, and credit cards from dozens of trucks sometimes while the driver was still inside. Police say the thefts started in January. 

"They were just going to the cabs of trucks," said Sgt. George Burgess with the Chesterfield Police Department. "Usually it was late at night and they were stealing the wallets. Cash, whatever they could find."

Police say the duo struck at Pilot stations in New Kent County, Hanover County, and in Chesterfield County.

"On several occasions, they would go to more that one vehicle, and in a lot of occasions, the truck driver would be sleeping when they went into the truck," said Burgess.

In an industry where driving is your job, being stuck without a wallet can leave you stuck without work.  

"To come up with all your IDs again, credit cards," said Leslie Acosta, a truck driver from California. "It would be a big hassle."

"We can't move this truck without a medical card or a CDL," Benjimin Warley, a truck driver from South Carolina said.  

Police say the two used the cash they took for drugs and the credit cards to buy things almost immediately.

"Ultimately, that's how we tracked them down — the use of these stolen credit cards," said Burgess.

With holiday travel season upon us, police warn truck drivers won't be the only targets on the road. They say you can learn a good lesson from these reported crooks.  

"You shouldn't try to leave your valuables in your car at all. It becomes a target of opportunity," said Burgess. "Second of all, if you get out of your vehicle you should always ensure that your vehicle is locked."

Police say the suspects struck 14 times in Chesterfield County, hitting multiple trucks each time. There are also seven charges in Hanover County and one in New Kent County. Even more charges are pending.

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