Travolta's Stolen Car Found—Sort Of

Police say they have recovered dismantled pieces of actor John Travolta's vintage Mercedes convertible stolen in Santa Monica in September by two men operating under a sophisticated car theft ring.

The 1970 Mercedes 280 SL convertible—estimated to be worth between $35,000 and $100,000—was dismantled and its parts recovered along with eight muscle cars and older model Mercedes. The theft ring, which operated across Los Angeles County, was shut down by a task force of regional law enforcement detectives.

The Santa Monica Police Department "was able to clear several auto thefts as well," Sgt. Richard Lewis said.

Travolta's car was stolen the afternoon of Sept. 18 near the 1400 block of Berkeley Street. After parking there, Travolta walked to a nearby Jaguar dealership. When he returned 10 minutes later, the car was gone.

Michael Green, 58, and D.L. Rayford, Jr., 52, were arrested Dec. 19 in connection with the incident. Police said they relied on video surveillance footage and tips from the public to make the arrests.

Green is charged with two counts of grand theft auto—involving Travolta's vehicle and another Mercedes. He is due in court Feb. 8. Green is also facing a probation violation hearing in a petty theft with a prior case in which a 20-year prison term had been suspended, according to Jane Robison of the District Attorney's Office.

Rayford pleaded no contest to one count of grand theft auto and was sentenced Jan. 5 to 16 months in state prison, Robison said. Authorities believe that Rayford drove Green's car after Green allegedly stole Travolta's Mercedes.

"As a result of these arrests and the ongoing investigative efforts of the [Taskforce for Regional Auto theft Prevention], a sophisticated car theft ring... was discovered and shut down, with eight stolen vehicles and miscellaneous parts of other vehicles having been recovered," Lewis said in a statement. 

The task force is comprised of investigators from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Los Angeles Police Department, California Highway Patrol and various other participating law enforcement agencies in the region, who are experts in organized auto theft rings.

This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Steve Smetzer at (310) 458-8936 or the Santa Monica Police Department's 24-hour line at (310) 458-8495.  

The public may also call the Task Force for Regional Auto theft Prevention at (818) 830-6977 and ask for LAPD Detective George Molina.

— City News Service contributed to this report.