An arrest has been made in connection with the theft of NBA icon Shaquille O’Neal’s custom 2025 Range Rover, although the high-end vehicle is still unaccounted for and may have been sent overseas. Lumpkin County Sheriff Stacy Jarrard announced on Tuesday that investigators traced the suspect, 33-year-old Anthony Del Rosario, to New York, where he was taken into custody by the Mount Vernon Police Department.
Deputy Chief Gregory Addison of the Mount Vernon Police confirmed that Del Rosario was arrested on December 5 after officers received an alert from a license plate reader. This alert signaled the potential presence of a wanted individual in a vehicle bearing a South Carolina license plate. Officers located the vehicle in the city and followed the driver into a local business before detaining him and verifying his identity.
Currently being held at the Westchester County Jail as a “Fugitive From Justice,” Del Rosario faces extradition to Georgia. Depending on whether he waives extradition, he may be transported to Lumpkin County Detention Center, or a hearing in New York could determine the next steps. Sheriff Jarrard indicated that more arrests related to this case are expected.
The investigation into the theft spans several weeks, with O’Neal’s custom Range Rover taken from a business in the Dahlonega area on October 20. The SUV, valued at approximately $180,000, was intended for use at an LSU game but never arrived as promised.
Effortless Motors, the California company responsible for customizing the vehicle, stated that the Luxury SUV was removed from its facility under dubious circumstances. Ahmad Abdelrahman, a spokesperson for the company, revealed that transport was arranged through FirstLine Trucking LLC, which later alleged their systems had been hacked. Abdelrahman called the arrest a significant breakthrough in what appears to be an extensive criminal operation, adding that this group reportedly steals around 40 cars per week.
Investigators mention that the Range Rover changed hands multiple times before vanishing in the Atlanta area. Efforts are underway to trace this vehicle and the other individuals involved in the theft. The Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office has issued numerous search warrants with assistance from telecommunications and vehicle telematics firms.
Remarkably, O’Neal’s customized Range Rover features an interior redesigned to suit his 7-foot-1 frame, showcasing the unique touches added by the customization team, which has handled several of his other high-end vehicles since 2023. While the situation remains concerning due to the vehicle’s disappearance, the ongoing investigation brings hope for resolution as authorities continue to pursue leads and additional suspects.