Clovis man accused of operating 'chop shop'

Eastern New Mexico News, By David Stevens, May 27, 2025

Authorities last week charged a Clovis man with operating a “chop shop” out of Marez Automotive Services on Sixth Street.

The shop owner police identified as Albert Mares, 57, is charged with multiple felonies including receiving or transferring four stolen vehicles, altering or changing vehicle-identification numbers and forgery.

The combined value of the vehicles police say were stolen exceeds $200,000, court records show.

Mares was released Thursday on bond from the Curry County jail.

While the repair shop operates under the Marez name, police said the suspect’s driver’s license shows “Mares,” explaining the name discrepancy.

Mares’ son, A.J. Marez, 31, of Rio Rancho also faces charges.

Attorney Dan Lindsey said his clients are both innocent.

Lindsey confirmed the stolen vehicles were in Mares’ possession but said Mares did not know they were stolen or that their records had been altered.

“These vehicles were bought at Bender’s (dealership) in Clovis, then taken out of town and brought back into town? That makes no sense. This is a good man. He has never been arrested. All he (Mares) does is help people. He denies all the charges,” Lindsey told the News.

The affidavit for arrest defines chop shop as a premises where a person disassembles or alters an unlawfully obtained vehicle.

Court records concede officials don’t know if Mares “had any involvement of the theft” in at least one of the vehicles. But police allege he knowingly altered vehicle identification numbers and vehicle odometer readings.

Records show the investigation began on April 28 when law officers learned a white Dodge Ram in Mares’ possession was stolen from Bender Dodge on Sept. 3, 2024.

Police obtained a search warrant for the automotive repair shop and that led to other vehicles reported stolen, records show.

Last Thursday, police arrested AJ Marez and charged him with receiving/transferring stolen motor vehicles, altering or changing engine or other numbers, conspiracy to commit forgery and forgery. He was released from the Curry County jail that same day.

“We look forward to clearing their names in court,” Lindsey said.

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