According to authorities, seven food trucks and a trailer containing a hot air balloon, reported as stolen in Socorro County, were discovered in a search north of Albuquerque last week.

James Nance, a Socorro County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, told media outlets that Jerry Sedillo, 64, was found operating a “chop shop” and was arrested on June 30.

Sedillo, who was living on the property, has a prior violent criminal record dating back to the 1980s.

Investigators found the vehicles that were being stripped for parts and are in the process of contacting owners from Belen, Rio Rancho, Socorro and Albuquerque about their property.

On average, the value of a new food truck with new kitchen equipment can be $200,000, and a complete hot air balloon set-up is around $100,000.

 

Chieftain Staff Report