I am truly honored to have been elected to the position of President of the Southeast Chapter of the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators (SEIAATI) for the 2026-2027 term. When I attended my first SEIAATI conference in Lexington, Kentucky in 2019, I never could have dreamed that I would one day be in this position. During that conference, a co-worker and former board member encouraged me to interview for a position on the board – a decision that, at that time, forced me to step way outside of my comfort zone. I loved what I experienced at the conference, but I had no idea what I was getting myself into… I just knew that I wanted to be more involved.
My law enforcement career began in 2012 as a patrol officer with the Horry County Police Department in Conway, South Carolina. In 2018, I was hired by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) as a Special Agent assigned to the Vehicle Crimes Unit, and in February of 2026, I was extremely fortunate to be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant within the unit. Special Agents in the Vehicle Crimes Unit are tasked with investigating the theft of motor vehicles and heavy equipment, vehicle theft rings, chop shops, scrap and salvage yards, and all criminal acts originating at the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, including driver’s license fraud, vehicle title fraud, and dealership fraud. Special Agents in this specialized unit are also tasked with identifying burned, chopped, and otherwise seemingly unidentifiable vehicles.
I would not be where I am today without the incredible team around me, and I want to recognize my current and former teammates at SLED: Alex, Benji, Bridgette, Charley, Craig, Daniel, DeQuawn, Kevin, Kirk, Shawn, and Tad. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from and bounce ideas off each of you throughout my career. To Chief Keel, Assistant Chief Gregory, and Major Robertson: thank you all for allowing me to pursue this dream, entrusting me with representing SLED at the highest level, and always supporting my wild ideas. Most importantly, I would like to thank my wife Stephanie for her unwavering love, support, and patience as I have taken on the various roles throughout my career with SLED and SEIAATI. I certainly could not do any of this without her by my side. The sacrifices she makes behind the scenes allow me to fully dedicate myself to this profession, and this organization.
One truth that has resonated with me throughout my entire career is that vehicle theft is never just a property crime. The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) summarized it best when they wrote: “IT ALL STARTS WITH A STOLEN CAR.” Vehicles are the catalyst for countless other offenses, including violent crime, fraud, human trafficking, and narcotics trafficking. Today, a vehicle can store just as much personal data about its owner as their cellphone. When a vehicle is taken from someone, a piece of their identity and sense of security is taken with it.
Because of my career path, I am a passionate proponent of networking and staying abreast of the most current trends in vehicle crime investigations. During my time at SLED, and with the direction of a SEIAATI past president, I created the South Carolina Auto Theft Intelligence Council (SCATIC). SCATIC meets quarterly across the four regions of South Carolina to provide no-cost training and networking for sworn law enforcement, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), civilian analysts, insurance investigators, and select private industry partners. The relationships built through SCATIC have helped solve complex investigations spanning far beyond local jurisdictions and state lines. There is truly no substitute for face-to-face networking, and believe it or not, the blueprint for SCATIC started as notes on a napkin at a SEIAATI conference in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
As we look at the ever-evolving world of vehicle crimes investigations, one thing remains clearer than ever: we are at our strongest when we work together. Many of the relationships that I have formed through SEIAATI have blossomed into lifelong friendships, and I consider them as part of my extended family. You quickly find yourself looking forward to the next conference, not just for the professional value, but for the opportunity to reunite with friends from across the southeast. Being able to work alongside like-minded professionals to provide top tier training and networking is a responsibility that I do not take lightly, and it brings me an immense sense of pride to represent SLED, SEIAATI, and myself.
My personal mission as President of this organization is to nurture the new members, strengthen the seasoned ones, and ensure that we all grow together in a collaborative, high-energy environment. In order for SEIAATI to have continued success, we must ensure that our people are ready for their future leadership roles. I was extremely fortunate to be mentored by previous leaders from SEIAATI at a young age, and I truly believe that it helped shape my personal and professional growth. I owe this community a debt of gratitude… one that I hope to repay by leading with the same dedication and example set by the countless past presidents and executive board members before me.
As we look ahead to 2027, I am excited to invite you all to join us June 6-10, 2027, in Charlotte, North Carolina, for our 53rd Annual Vehicle Crimes Conference. We will be joining forces with the Northeast Chapter of IAATI, bringing top tier training and networking to a region that spans roughly one-third of the United States and parts of Canada. It brings me great joy to share the stage with our friends from the Northeast and to further expand our growing network of investigators. As I have said before and will continue to say: we are at our strongest when we work together.
Here’s to a healthy and prosperous year ahead! To my SEIAATI family: thank you for your trust, your dedication, and your continued service. May God grant us the wisdom to lead with integrity, the strength to serve our communities faithfully, and the grace to grow closer together in our shared mission.
Very respectfully,
Christopher Cestare
Lieutenant, SLED Vehicle Crimes Unit
President, SEIAATI 2026-2027