13 people have been indicted in connection with a car theft ring that included vehicles stolen from Scranton and was tied to the homicide of a Philadelphia officer, according to the New Jersey Attorney General.
Officials say the theft ring operated across many states, targeting premium vehicles and trafficking them to New Jersey for sale between 2021 and 2024.
Alex Vargas, 27, and Alexi Vargas, 24, of New Jersey, are accused of leading the operation.
Investigators claim other suspects in the theft ring included:
- Albert Santana-Fernandez
- Franklyn Rodriguez-Santana
- Yobranny Martinez-Fernandez
- Randy Garcia-Liriano
- Alexander Batista-Polanco
- Jeitoni Suarez-Cuevas
- Lewys Santana-Pichardo
- Nelfi Fortuna-Fernandez
- Steven Fernandez-Ulloa
- Hendrick Pena-Fernandez
- Jimmy Marte-Toledo
The press release said the ring stole 41 cars, over 20 in Pennsylvania. Between 2023 and 2024, the ring stole vehicles in Scranton.
Officials said members used harsh tactics against others who attempted to disrupt the operation. Three members of the ring, Yobranny Martinez-Fernandez, Alexander Batista-Polanco, and Hendrick Pena-Fernandez, are already facing charges in the 2023 homicide of Philadelphia Police Officer Richard Mendez and the attack on Officer Raul Ortiz.
According to the Scranton Police Department, the Scranton Police Auto-Theft Task Force helped with the investigation by identifying suspects and assisting in the arrest of one of those involved in the homicide.
A multi-state investigation into an auto theft ring with ties to Lackawanna County has made new progress.
An investigation that lasted three years has linked what is being called ‘a violent car theft ring’ to the electric city.
The New Jersey attorney general said this month that 13 persons had been arrested and charged with first-degree racketeering in a violent multi-state auto theft operation.
The New Jersey Director of Criminal Justice has connected the theft ring to 41 stolen vehicles so far.
The stolen automobiles have been linked to thefts in New York, Delaware, seven counties in New Jersey, various airports and car dealerships in the Philadelphia area, and Scranton.
At a press briefing in Camden, New Jersey, where detectives believe the ring is based, many officials praised law enforcement’s efforts throughout this difficult investigation.
“You don’t get to first-degree racketeering charges without that type of information sharing and collaboration. So, I know sometimes it can get lost in the details when you start talking about task forces and alphabet soup and everything. This is why we do it,” explained Matthew Platkin, New Jersey Attorney General.
Former officer Richard Mendez was shot and murdered in 2023 after he and a fellow cop heard breaking glass and many people breaking into a car in a parking lot at Philadelphia International Airport.
According to investigators, the individuals engaged in the event were part of a car theft organization.
“We also make it clear that this work matters. When you see these connections, I think the ag talked about these connections. What started off as one thing and how it ultimately leads to another. Would I like this group to be taken down before we lost our officer, yeah,” stated Kevin Bethel, Philadelphia Police Commissioner.
According to New Jersey’s Attorney General, the stolen autos are worth more than a million dollars.
According to the New Jersey Director of Criminal Justice, the ringleaders are two brothers identified by detectives.
Incidents over the last two years have tied Scranton to this ring. The police department asserts that they stole “higher-end” luxury vehicles from Scranton and drove them to New Jersey.
If convicted, the 13 men accused of first-degree racketeering could face 10-20 years in prison and no early release.