Essex County Man Pleads Guilty to Running Interstate Car Theft Ring

Warren Guerrier admitted to leading a fraudulent scheme involving the theft and resale of vehicles across multiple states.

NEWARK, N.J. – Warren Guerrier, a 47-year-old man from Newark, Essex County, confessed to his role in an elaborate multistate car theft and fraud operation today in Newark federal court. He pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, as announced by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.

Court documents detail that from November 2016 to June 2020, Guerrier, along with accomplices, engaged in a sophisticated scheme targeting vehicles for theft. These vehicles were then advertised online and sold to unsuspecting buyers. The buyers were misled with electronically programmed keys, falsified certificates of title, and fraudulent identity documents meant to hide the conspirators' true identities.

The fraudulent activities led to the theft of at least 40 vehicles, approximately 30 of which were sold, netting Guerrier and his associates about $285,000.

The conspiracy to commit wire fraud charge could lead to a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Guerrier is scheduled for sentencing on November 19, 2024.

The investigation, credited to special agents from the FBI offices in Newark and New Orleans, was spearheaded by Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy and Douglas Williams. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica R. Ecker and Kendall Randolph of the Criminal Division in Newark.