Modesto men arrested in suspected auto theft ring

Authorities in Stanislaus County have arrested two Modesto men accused of stealing more than $200,000 worth of cars and trailers.

The Stanislaus County Auto Theft Task Force and California Highway Patrol have been leading an investigation into an auto theft ring that has been frustrating business owners in the region recently. According to a release from the CHP, the case began after several businesses posted images on social media of a white Ford F-150 and silver Dodge Dakota they believed to be involved in a string of vehicle thefts as well as stolen flatbeds and tractors.

Members of the task force investigated the owners of the two trucks and their associates. According to the CHP, the individuals are believed to have been involved in a number of commercial burglaries and auto thefts in Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties. After search warrants were issued, the two suspects were arrested this week. They are Dean Richard Dufer, 19, and Michael S. Miller, 29, both of Modesto.

This story was originally published May 21, 2016 at 6:26 PM with the headline "Modesto men arrested in suspected auto theft ring."