FLINT TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Flint Township police say a weeks-long string of residential break-ins that rattled neighborhoods and left victims scrambling has now been tied to a mother and son who investigators say stole truckloads of property, including irreplaceable family ashes.
Detectives arrested 34-year-old Justin Ray and his mother, 60-year-old Gena Ray, following an extensive investigation that combined traditional police work with advanced technology. Authorities executed search warrants at four separate locations, recovering stolen property from multiple burglaries, along with drugs and several stolen vehicles, according to the department.
Police said some of the stolen items were purely monetary, but others carried deep personal meaning including urns containing the ashes of loved ones. While some of those items have been returned, investigators acknowledge other property will likely never be recovered.
Both suspects were charged with two felony counts of breaking and entering and two felony counts of larceny, including larceny of $20,000 or more. Prosecutors are reviewing additional cases, and more charges are expected.
At the time of his arrest, Justin Ray was already wanted on multiple outstanding felony and misdemeanor warrants, including theft-related offenses and failures to appear in court.
Despite the scope of the alleged crimes and the volume of stolen property recovered, both suspects were released on $5,000 personal recognizance bonds following their arraignment before Genesee County District Judge Vikki Bayeh Haley.
“It’s hard to talk about accountability when those responsible are allowed to walk away from it,” Flint Township police said in a sharply worded statement.
Investigators are now warning the public that stolen items may have been sold. Anyone who purchased tools or other property from Justin or Gena Ray, knowingly or not, may be in possession of stolen goods.
Residents with information are urged to contact the Flint Township Police Department at 810-600-3250 as the investigation continues.
