TRENTON, N.J. — A Newark man has been charged in connection with an auto theft and home burglary ring, becoming the first person prosecuted under New Jersey’s new home invasion law, authorities announced Wednesday.
Samir White, 19, faces multiple charges, including first-degree home invasion burglary, four counts of second-degree residential burglary, theft of motor vehicles, receiving a stolen vehicle, conspiracy, and resisting arrest.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said the charges stem from an investigation into a series of home burglaries and auto thefts across Monmouth, Ocean, and Essex counties. “New Jerseyans need to be protected from precisely this kind of invasive crime,” Platkin said.
Investigators say White and others used stolen vehicles to travel to target locations, forcibly entered homes in search of key fobs, and stole high-end vehicles, with an estimated total value of $700,000.
White’s prosecution marks the first case under the law enacted in October 2024, which strengthens penalties for home invasion burglaries as authorities continue to crack down on organized car theft operations.