OnStar Helps Cops Catch Truck Thieves, Who Found Keys

SPARTA — OnStar helped Livingston County Sheriff’s Deputies catch three alleged cohorts that teamed up after one of them found a set of keys and stole a truck.

According to Livingston County Sheriff Thomas Dougherty, Jordan Vanhouter, 22, found a set a keys and walked around Rochester beeping the keytag until hey found the vehicle.  Apparently, Vanhouter called in his cohorts Jaquan Cage, 25, and Misty Wiley, 27 who switched the plates and drove the truck to Story Road in Sparta. OnStar was activated and called 911 where they led deputies to the 2016 Chevy Silverado pickup which was disabled by OnStar.

“Thanks to the call from Onstar, and their ability to track the vehicle turn by turn, the stolen vehicle was located but even better a burglary in progress was caught in the act and the people responsible will be held accountable,” stated Sheriff Dougherty. “It is a great day when modern technology helps the good guys.”

On Sunday, Jordan Vanhouter was charged with felony Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 3rd Degree, felony Burglary in the 2nd Degree, Criminal Mischief in the 4th Degree, Petit Larceny, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, along with several traffic tickets for violations of the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law. Jaquan Cage was arrested and charged with felony Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 3rd Degree, felony Burglary in the 2nd Degree, Petit Larceny, and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana. Misty Wiley was arrested and charged with felony Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 3rd Degree, felony Burglary in the 2nd Degree, Petit Larceny, and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana. 

Vanhouter, Cage, and Wiley were turned over to Central Booking Deputies at the Livingston County Jail for processing and pre-arraignment detention.The District Attorney’s Office was contacted in regards to bail due to the felony charges. It was recommended that Vanhouter and Cage be held on $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond and Wiley be held on $2,500 cash or $5,000 bond. 

All three were later arraigned in the Town of Sparta Court before Judge Scollon and each remanded to the custody of the Sheriff on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond. 

The Sheriff’s Office is continuing the investigation in partnership with the Rochester Police Department and further charges are pending. 

Handling the investigation for the Sheriff’s Office were Sergeant Ryan Swanson, Sergeant Matthew Orman, Deputy Morganne Harrington, and Deputy Michael Wade from the Road Patrol Division. On scene for the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division were Investigator Gene Chichester and Deputy Michael Williams (FIU) and from the Communication’s Center were Dispatcher Rich Alexander, Dispatcher Melissa Mumm, and Dispatcher Steve Rose. Also assisting with the incident was Officer Larry Burley from the Dansville Police Department.