Ford Worker Accused of Stealing Millions in Parts Over Years

A longtime Ford Motor Company employee is facing serious allegations after authorities say he managed to walk off with millions of dollars worth of hoods, bumpers, and other auto parts over several years.

Police in Dearborn have been investigating the alleged thefts, which they now believe have been ongoing for more than two years. The suspect is accused of stealing parts from Ford plants in Wayne, Dearborn, and Flat Rock, according to Fox 2.

These plants produce some of Ford's most popular vehicles. The Ford F-150 is built in Dearborn, the Mustang in Flat Rock, and the Ford Ranger and Bronco in Wayne, according to Car & Driver.

Stolen Ford Parts for Sale on eBay

Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin told Fox 2 that the former Ford employee would allegedly steal parts from assembly plants, then sell them to local auto shops, which in turn listed them for sale on eBay.

“When we executed a search warrant at one of the shops in Detroit, from the floor to the ceiling it was stacked with brand-new auto parts,” Shahin said.

Two of those third-party sites have since been closed and police are looking for ways to close them down permanently.

Why It Matters

The former Ford employee could face multiple charges for his alleged crimes, which could cost the automaker millions in losses. That lost revenue can ultimately trickle down to consumers, potentially impacting vehicle prices or even insurance rates.

Multiple Charges Pending

Four men are currently in custody, though their names have not yet been released as formal charges from the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office are still pending. Possible charges could include grand theft, criminal enterprise, and racketeering.

I’m old enough to remember the classic Johnny Cash song, "One Piece at a Time," but are you? It tells the tale of an assembly line worker sneaking parts out of the factory over the years to build his dream car. While this modern incident lacks that same blue-collar charm, it’s a reminder that there’s a fine line between creative problem-solving and criminal charges.