13 people in a multi-state auto theft ring that is connected to the murder of a Philadelphia police officer
Published by RawNews1st
New Jersey – Attorney General Matthew Platkin said the charges are for racketeering, burglary, assault and other crimes.
Two brothers, Alex (27) and Alexi (24) Vargas are being pinned as the ring leaders of this operation, with the others acting as theft crews.The other suspects have been identified as Albert Santana-Fernandez, Franklyn Rodriguez-Santana, Yobranny Martinez-Fernandez, Randy Garcia-Liriano, Alexander Batista-Polanco, Jeitoni Suarez-Cuevas, Lewys Santana-Pichardo, Nelfi Fortuna-Fernandez, Steve Fernandez Ulloa, Hendrick Pena-Fernande and Jimmy Marte-Toledo.
The theft ring operated for nearly three years, according to authorities, stealing 41 vehicles in several states and bringing them back to Camden to resell them.
More than 20 of the vehicles were stolen in Pennsylvania, according to officials.
The AG said three of the defendants charged as part of this ring are already facing murder charges, after being accused of killing 50-year-old Philadelphia Police Sergeant Richard Mendez in 2023.
Officials said they most often targeted vehicles at car dealerships and airport parking lots, specifically going after vehicles such as Jeep Grand Cherokees, Dodge Chargers, Durangos and Ram trucks.
The vehicles were all stolen in the same manner, with the thieves breaking the back window with screwdrivers, wrenches or bolt cutters, and using a key re-programmer to drive the vehicle back to Camden County, where it was later advertised for sale via social media and text messaging, officials said.
