Michael Mitchell
Christine ThompsonTwo Texas residents have been charged in what Chattanooga police believe is a multi-state scam to steal brass from shooting ranges that victimized a local business.
Michael Mitchell, 39, of Dallas, and and Christine Thompson, of Hollywood, Texas, 30, face multiple charges after a police takedown Thursday in the parking lot of Shooter's Depot on Shallowford Road.
Police spokesman Sgt. Victor Miller said Thursday that Mitchell is suspected of using deceptive practices to obtain spent casings at shooting ranges in multiple states.
"It appears he is fraudulently obtaining spent casings by deceiving the shooting range businesses," he said.
More information will be released today, Miller said.
According to the police affidavit, both suspects were using false names and were driving a pickup they said belonged to her fiance, but which had been reported stolen. They also had about 3.5 grams of what they said was heroin with them, according to the affidavit.
Mitchell is charged with two counts of theft of property; criminal simulation; criminal impersonation and possession of a controlled substance, according to court records.
Thompson is charged with two counts of theft of property, possession of Schedule II drugs and criminal impersonation.
Both are scheduled to appear in General Sessions Court on Tuesday in front of Judge Christie Mahn Sell.