New York Attorney General Letitia James and New York City Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced on Mar. 11 the dismantling of a car theft operation that sold stolen vehicles across New York and New Jersey. The investigation, led by the Office of the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force, resulted in the recovery of more than 40 stolen vehicles valued at over one million dollars. Five individuals have been charged with 92 crimes related to selling these vehicles.
The case highlights ongoing efforts to address motor vehicle thefts, which can disrupt families’ daily lives. “A stolen car can completely upend a family’s life, making it harder to get to school, work, and do essential errands,” said Attorney General James. “This investigation stopped a far-reaching criminal operation that sold dozens of stolen cars across New York and New Jersey. I thank the NYPD and our partners in law enforcement for their work to stop this criminal operation and protect our communities.”
Commissioner Tisch said, “To criminals who traffic in stolen vehicles, our message is clear: the NYPD will find you and hold you accountable.” She added that the year-long joint investigation spanned multiple jurisdictions across two states and led to both arrests and recovery of the vehicles.
The investigation began in February 2025 when Jonathan Mercedes Silvestre was identified as a broker for selling stolen cars. Surveillance operations revealed Raulin Rodriguez and Jender Santos-Ulloa as sources for these vehicles, while Josue Dejesus Gonzalez, Juan Tavarez Cabrera, and others helped locate, acquire, and transport them throughout New York and New Jersey. The recovered vehicles included Honda CRVs, Lexus IS models, Toyota Highlanders, Honda Accords, Acura TLXs, among others.
The five defendants face charges including Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Second Degree; if convicted they could receive up to 15 years in prison. All are presumed innocent unless proven guilty at trial or by plea.
Letitia James heads the New York Attorney General’s office according to its official website. The agency promotes social justice through civil rights enforcement and consumer advocacy according to its official website, protects public safety while defending civil rights according to its official website, operates regional offices statewide according to its official website, provides services such as consumer fraud investigations according to its official website, and functions as a public law enforcement agency for New York according to its official website.
Attorney General James acknowledged assistance from several law enforcement agencies across both states involved in this case. This action follows previous efforts by her office targeting auto theft rings—including securing settlements from automakers lacking anti-theft technology—and continues an ongoing focus on protecting consumers.
