Four Arrested in Mohave Valley Chop Shop Bust: Multiple Charges Filed

MOHAVE VALLEY — Four individuals found themselves in custody after law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence in Mohave Valley.

Lee Jet Kennedy, 52, faces multiple serious charges including five counts of theft of means of transportation, theft, operating a chop shop, possession of dangerous drugs for sale, possession of drug paraphernalia, and tampering with physical evidence—all classified as felonies.

Sarah Javine Stewart, 37, was also arrested, charged with possession of dangerous drugs for sale, possession of drug paraphernalia, and misconduct involving a weapon as a prohibited possessor, all felonies.

Matthew Ray Kormes, 58, and Suann Esther Kormes, 55, are charged with misdemeanor criminal nuisance, public nuisance, and failure to obtain a dog license.

The investigation commenced on September 20, 2023. Deputies responded to a report of stolen property, specifically a trailer containing two all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) taken from a site in Havasu Heights. The stolen vehicles were a yellow Honda 400 and a gray Polaris Predator 500.

On August 9, 2024, deputies were already at the Sagebrush Drive residence for an unrelated matter. They had previously investigated the location multiple times due to reports of narcotics and stolen vehicles. While there, deputies discovered a cut frame identified as the Polaris Predator 500, confirming its link to the earlier theft.

On Friday, authorities executed the search warrant at the Sagebrush property, with support from MCSO SWAT, the Mohave Area General Narcotics Enforcement Team, and other agencies. Their efforts uncovered that Kennedy possessed six more stolen ATVs or parts associated with them.

Kennedy was also found with methamphetamine and paraphernalia indicating potential drug sales. Meanwhile, Stewart was found with approximately 4.5 ounces of meth and 0.25 ounces of Psilocybin mushrooms, alongside a .22 caliber rifle, despite being a prohibited possessor.

Matthew Ray Kormes and Suann Kormes were arrested on similar nuisance charges. Due to hazardous conditions at the property, Mohave County Code Enforcement affixed a 24-hour self-abatement notice.