Pasco County ‘Chop Shop’ Bust And Arrest

HUDSON, Fla. – Pasco Sheriff’s detectives arrested a Hudson man on Friday following an intense investigation.

Scott Sands, 43, was arrested for multiple charges following a multi-day search warrant execution.

Information from several entities, including victims and Sands’ former employees, as well as additional investigative techniques, indicate that Sands has defrauded over 60 victims. In addition to stealing boat parts from victims’ vessels and selling them online, he also used car parts to repair boats and used parts from victims’ boats to repair other boats he was hired to repair.

Sands, who owns Liberty Entrepreneurs Inc., which includes a boat/auto salvage and repair company and two storage lots in Hudson, was previously charged with operating a chop shop in Pinellas County.

Sands was arrested for Scheme to Defraud, Failure to Secure Worker’s Compensation Insurance Coverage, Grand Theft, Dealing in Stolen Property, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Own/Operate/Conduct Chop Shop and Possession of Vessel with Altered Hull. The arrest reports are attached. Additionally, his booking photo is included, as it is possible there may be additional victims in this case that have not been identified.

Anyone who believes they may be a victim of Sands should contact the Pasco Sheriff’s Crime Tips Line at 1-800-706-2488 and refer to case number 20022049.