ST. LOUIS — Eight defendants have pleaded guilty to charges related to a nationwide scheme that stole at least 19 rental cars worth about $1.1 million.

The scheme’s organizer, Tyrell A. Oliver, 40, of Atlanta, Georgia, admitted to orchestrating the crimes. Oliver and his co-conspirators used stolen credit card information and identities to reserve and steal high-end rental vehicles, primarily SUVs, from locations across the United States.

One of the main participants, James E. McGhaney, 35, of New York, recruited and supervised the other members of the group. He pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in St. Louis. McGhaney and the other thieves often traveled together with plane tickets purchased by Oliver and McGhaney to steal multiple vehicles in a single trip.

O’Fallon Community Rallies to Support Family After Tragic Accident

In total, Oliver and his accomplices used the stolen identities of at least 23 victims to steal 19 rental vehicles. Other defendants who pleaded guilty include Steven B. Matthews, Shawnta B. Fonseca, Reginald M. Glenn, Marlique J. McGhaney, Daquasia M. Robinson and Rashad Holder.

The defendants are expected to be sentenced between December 2024 and February 2025.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports and streaming videos, visit FOX 2.