Arlington County Police have announced the arrest of two individuals, Renaldo Gaines and Sierra Alston, following an extensive year-long auto fraud investigation. The arrests stem from an incident in March 2025 when officers discovered a stolen vehicle with an altered VIN in an Arlington parking garage.\n\nThe investigation revealed that Gaines, 35, of Washington, DC, and Alston, 33, also of Washington, DC, allegedly conspired to steal vehicles, acquire stolen vehicles, and alter their Vehicle Identification Numbers to evade detection. Notably, Ms. Alston, who was employed as a police officer in Maryland at the time, is accused of using law enforcement resources to aid Mr. Gaines in these activities.\n\nWarrants were issued in July 2026, leading to their apprehension in Washington, DC, on July 23, 2026, with assistance from the United States Marshal Service. They subsequently turned themselves into Arlington County Police the following day. Gaines faces charges including Grand Larceny Auto and Conspiracy to Commit a Felony, while Alston is charged with Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle and Conspiracy to Commit a Felony. The investigation remains active.
