Essex County Man Sentenced to Over 5 Years for Car Theft and Fraud Scheme

Warren Guerrier defrauded victims in a multistate operation involving stolen vehicles and falsified documents.

Warren Guerrier, 47, of Newark, was sentenced to 70 months in prison for orchestrating a multistate car theft and resale scheme that defrauded victims of over $285,000, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Guerrier previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini, who handed down the sentence today in Newark federal court.

Details of the Scheme

Between November 2016 and June 2020, Guerrier led a network of conspirators who identified and stole vehicles, then fraudulently sold them to unsuspecting buyers. The group created counterfeit certificates of title, programmed electronic keys for the stolen vehicles, and used fake identity documents to obscure their involvement.

The operation involved at least 40 stolen vehicles, 30 of which were sold to victims who believed they were legitimate purchases. Victims paid cash for the vehicles, often learning later they were stolen.

Financial and Legal Consequences

In addition to his prison sentence, Guerrier was ordered to pay $291,637 in restitution and will serve three years of supervised release following his incarceration.

Investigation and Prosecution

The FBI, under Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado in Newark and Special Agent in Charge Lyonel Myrthil in New Orleans, led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Ecker of the Criminal Division in Newark prosecuted the case.

This case underscores federal efforts to combat organized fraud and protect consumers from sophisticated schemes.