The Collin County Sheriff’s Office says the two suspects would reportedly take customers’ vehicles without permission and strip them for parts or sell them.

COLLIN COUNTY, Texas — The Collin County Sheriff’s Office has arrested two suspects who they allege stole several cars across multiple counties around North Texas.

According to police, they began receiving reports of vehicle thefts in August 2024 from Brian Holgate, the owner of a mechanic shop outside Anna. 

Police say when they contacted registered owners of the stolen vehicles, discrepancies emerged that raised suspicion that Holgate had been taking the vehicles without permission and either stripping them for parts or selling them, then falsely reporting the vehicles as stolen.

Police say a second suspect was identified in June 2025, Calvin McGowen, who police say was connected to Holgate and was suspected to be involved with more thefts targeting storage facilities across Collin County.

Both Holgate and McGowen were arrested as a result of the investigation. Police say searches of locations associated with them revealed evidence linking them to thefts from a Collin County storage facility, as well as cases in Grayson County. 

Police charged both suspects with engaging in organized criminal activity, theft of property over $30,000 but less than $150,000, and theft of property over $2,500 but less than $30,000, two third-degree felonies and a state jail felony, respectively.

The investigation is still active and ongoing.