NEWARK, NJ – New Jersey State Police have arrested seven people involved in an interstate auto theft ring based out of New Jersey, that targeted high end vehicles across the states suburbs, in particular at the Jersey Shore.
State Police detectives believe they have dismantled the group responsible for the theft of more than 30 high-end vehicles worth more than $3 million over a seven-month period.
Millstone, N.J. – The New Jersey State Police have charged six suspects and dismantled an auto theft ring in New Jersey and New York linked to the theft of more than 30 high-end vehicles worth more than $3 million during a seven-month investigation.
“In May, detectives with the Troop “C” Criminal Investigation Office began investigating multiple high-end motor vehicle thefts in Millstone Township and Upper Freehold Township. As a result, detectives identified Geovanni Hernandez, 24, of Newark, N.J. as a suspect and linked him to the theft of a BMW M8 and three Land Rover Range Rovers in Upper Freehold Township and Millstone Township. On July 22, detectives located Hernandez and arrested him,” state officials reported.
Also arrested were Carlos Sanchez, 23, of Newark, N.J. as the leader of an auto-theft ring targeting high-end vehicles in Monmouth County, Mercer County, Ocean County, Union County, Essex County, Somerset County, Hunterdon County, Burlington County, Bergen County, Middlesex County and New York State.
“Detectives also identified James Lanier, 24, Solomon Mickens, 23, and Sadiq Griggs, 23, all of Newark, N.J. as associates,” state officials said.
Police said the investigation determined that the suspects were also targeting residences while victims were home and committed burglaries in an attempt to steal the vehicles.
“After stealing the vehicles, the suspects would transport them to other locations where they were given fraudulent vehicle identification numbers to be re-titled and sold through an online marketplace,” police said.