Four people arrested for grand theft of a car worth over $200,000

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – Panama City Police say four people were arrested in an investigation into a car theft involving vehicles and construction equipment.

The Panama City Police Department Criminal Investigation Division responded on August 16, 2024, to a report of stolen vehicles and construction equipment found at a hotel in the 4100 block of US-98, police said.

Investigators spoke with a victim who was renting a heavy construction vehicle and industrial equipment from a company when the keys to the vehicle and equipment were taken from her.

As a result, she was unable to return the vehicle and equipment on the scheduled date, police said. The suspects allegedly posted the equipment on social media with the intention of selling it.

During the investigation, four trucks and five lifting platforms were seized. According to police, the value of the stolen goods was over $200,000.

Two of those arrested are Jasmaine Smith, 31, of Atlanta, GA, and Jeremy Baker, 33, of Lithonia, GA, according to police.

Demetris Lowe, 32, of Conyers, GA, was charged with grand larceny over $100,000, receiving stolen goods and trafficking in stolen goods.

Kerry Howard, 33, of Lithonia, GA, faces five charges: possession of marijuana, possession and/or use of drugs, fugitive from justice, grand theft over $100,000 and stolen property, and trafficking in stolen property.

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