Trio busted for chop shop and counterfeit money operation

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tennessee(WDEF) – Three people were booked into the Hamilton County Jail Wednesday morning in connection to organized crime that included running a chop shop and printing counterfeit money.

Justin Holder, 31, Tabitha Holder, 36, and Michael Robinson are all facing multiple felonies that include:

                   

    

• Theft of motor vehicle property
• Theft of more than $1000
• Setting fire to a vehicle
• Printing counterfeit money
• Altering manufacturer’s Identity

According to the arrest affidavit, the investigation began when a deputy pulled over Tabitha Holder and Michael Robinson for a registration violation. The deputy recognized the tag didn’t belong on the vehicle and was the same tag recently displayed on a maroon and grey truck that eluded police during a pursuit. 

Further investigation into the suspected truck revealed that the VIN plate was removed.

The deputy also received information that Robinson may be wanted in connection to recent auto thefts. 

When the two suspects escorted the deputy to their property, the deputy located a truck reported stolen in Chattanooga. It was also the same truck driven during a police pursuit. 

During the investigation, another truck that was reported stolen was located with the VIN plate removed. That truck was also burned and stripped down. 

Robinson and Holder were interviewed but investigators said they both gave conflicting statements. 

Moments later, investigators say Robinson confessed to setting the second truck on fire and that he knew the vehicle was stolen. He also said he took part in stripping the vehicle down. 

Justin Holder was already at the residence but told investigators he was only a visitor. According to the arrest affidavit, a detective told him to leave because the residence was a crime scene. 

The detective obtained a search warrant for the residence located in the 7000 block of Rabbit Lane along with all the vehicles and campers on the property. But when the warrant was served, deputies say Justin Holder had sneaked back into the home and was found in a rear bedroom. He was then taken into custody.

During their search, investigators found a large amount of counterfeit money along with a printer. They also found numerous car radios with the wires cut. License tags that belonged to other vehicles were also located.

Even though Justin Holder told deputies he was only a visitor, investigators found proof that he actually owned the property. His bond was set at $20,000.

Tabitha Holder, who also goes by her maiden name of Tabitha Robinson is being held on a $42,000 bond.

Michael Robinson’s bond was set at $90,000. Jail officials told WDEF that his bond was higher due to his past criminal record. Robinson has a rap sheet of criminal convictions that range from shoplifting and DUI to aggravated assault and aggravated burglary.