13 Indicted in Multistate Car Theft Ring Linked to Officer Homicide and 40+ Stolen Vehicles

Authorities allege Camden-based enterprise targeted high-value vehicles across New Jersey and neighboring states, using violence and fraud to sustain operations

NEW JERSEY — Thirteen individuals have been indicted on racketeering and related charges for allegedly participating in a violent and organized multistate car theft ring responsible for stealing or receiving at least 41 vehicles, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced.

The alleged criminal enterprise was led by brothers Alex Vargas, 27, of Camden, and Alexi Vargas, 24, of Pennsauken, who are accused of orchestrating the theft of vehicles from dealerships and parking lots across seven New Jersey counties—including Burlington, Somerset, Bergen, Union, Mercer, Essex, and Camden—as well as in Pennsylvania, New York, and Delaware.

“The charges we’re announcing today describe an organized criminal operation that was both sophisticated and dangerous,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Three of the defendants in this group are charged in Philadelphia for allegedly killing one police officer and assaulting another. Taking down this ring is part of our constant efforts to keep the public safe.”

According to indictments and case documents, the thefts occurred between July 1, 2021, and January 4, 2024. The group allegedly stole Jeep Grand Cherokees, Dodge Chargers and Durangos, and Ram Trucks, often targeting multiple vehicles at once using a consistent method: breaking rear windows, reprogramming keys, and transporting the vehicles back to Camden County.

Once stolen, the vehicles were fraudulently rebranded using fake Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) and temporary New Jersey registrations, then sold via social media and text messaging. The ring is also accused of using violence—including firearms and intimidation tactics—to protect their operations and deter interference.

Organizational Structure and Roles

The indictment outlines the alleged roles played by various members:

• Alex & Alexi Vargas: Leadership, vehicle targeting, and theft coordination

• Albert Santana-Fernandez: Managed lower-level participants

• Theft crews: Included multiple individuals who carried out the thefts

• Lewys Santana-Pichardo: Allegedly created new VINs

• Jimmy Marte-Toledo: Created fraudulent registrations, allegedly using a relative’s business

• Fencers: Sold vehicles with falsified documentation

Violent Incidents and Officer Homicide

The case is also linked to violent crimes. On October 12, 2023, Franklyn Rodriguez-Santana, Yobranny Martinez-Fernandez, Alexander Batista-Polanco, and Hendrick Pena-Fernandez were allegedly involved in the fatal shooting of Philadelphia Police Officer Richard Mendez and the assault of Officer Raul Ortiz. These defendants were previously charged in Philadelphia and now face additional conspiracy charges related to auto theft in this indictment.

In another violent incident on September 13, 2023, Alexi Vargas allegedly committed a non-fatal shooting in Winslow Township, Camden County.

Authorities say enterprise members routinely possessed firearms to commit assaults and intimidate others interfering with theft operations.

Charges

Charges range from first-degree racketeering, promoting organized street crime, and conspiracy, to various theft and weapons offenses. Penalties include:

• First-degree offenses: 10 to 20 years in prison, fines up to $200,000

• Second-degree offenses: 5 to 10 years in prison, fines up to $150,000

• Third-degree offenses: 3 to 5 years in prison, fines up to $15,000

• Fourth-degree offenses: Up to 18 months in prison, fines up to $10,000

The investigation was led by the New Jersey State Police, Division of Criminal Justice, and Camden County Metro Police Department, with assistance from:

• Philadelphia Police Department

• Pennsylvania State Police

• Scranton Police Department

• Pennsauken Police Department

• Camden County Prosecutor’s Office

• Horsham, Gloucester Township, and other local departments

• Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office

• Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General David Ringlaben, under the supervision of Deputy Chief Veronica Daddario and Bureau Chief Cassandra Montalto, with support from Deputy Attorneys General Joseph Giordano and Evgeniya Sitnikova.

Attorney General Platkin emphasized the link between organized car theft and gun violence, noting that shooting incidents in New Jersey are down over 25% compared to 2024, with fatal shootings reduced by more than 35% so far in 2025.