Trio Pleads Guilty to Nationwide UPS Warehouse Burglaries

Over $1.6 Million in High-Value Electronics Stolen in Multi-State Theft Spree

In a startling revelation of coordinated theft, three individuals from Philadelphia admitted their involvement in a widespread conspiracy targeting United Parcel Service (UPS) warehouses across the country. 

U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced that Sekou Fofanah, 20, Shamaire Brown, 19, and Quamaire Brown, 19, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit cargo theft in Camden federal court under U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler.

From January 2021 through April 2023, this group, along with co-defendant Aboudramane Karamoko and others, executed a calculated series of burglaries affecting approximately 55 UPS facilities. These incidents spanned several states, including New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Rhode Island. 

The culprits employed methods such as breaking loading bay windows or prying doors open to gain entry. Their primary targets were parcels labeled with “lithium-ion battery” warnings, a common indicator of valuable electronic devices like cell phones. By their own admission, the stolen goods from these burglaries are valued at around $1.6 million.

This organized crime ring now faces the consequences of its actions, with each member subject to a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or double the monetary value of the theft, whichever is greater.

The successful apprehension and prosecution of these individuals is credited to the collaborative efforts of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, led by Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso, and an extensive network of law enforcement agencies. This coalition includes local police departments across several states, Homeland Security Investigations teams from Philadelphia and Rhode Island, the New Jersey and New York State Police, and various district attorney's offices and state patrol units.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake A. Nasar of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit in Newark is representing the government in this case. While these three individuals have admitted guilt, charges against co-defendant Karamoko remain outstanding, with his presumption of innocence maintained until proven otherwise.

This case highlights the ongoing battle against organized theft and the importance of interagency cooperation in safeguarding commercial assets and consumer goods across the United States.