TRENTON, N.J. — Thirteen people have been indicted on racketeering and other charges in connection with a large-scale auto theft ring based in Camden that targeted vehicles in Camden, Burlington, Somerset, Bergen, Union, Mercer, and Essex counties, as well as Pennsylvania, New York, and Delaware, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced Friday.
Brothers Alex Vargas, 27, of Camden, and Alexi Vargas, 24, of Pennsauken, are accused of leading the criminal enterprise, which investigators say focused on high-value vehicles such as Jeep Grand Cherokees, Dodge Chargers and Durangos, and Ram trucks. Prosecutors allege crews broke into vehicles, reprogrammed keys, and transported the stolen cars back to Camden County, where they were advertised for sale through social media and text messaging.
“These defendants allegedly had specific vehicles that they targeted for theft, and a plan to find them, steal them, and change the paperwork to make them ready for sale,” said Division of Criminal Justice Director Theresa L. Hilton. “Criminals will always find new ways to make an illegal profit, and our office and our law enforcement partners will be there to stop them.”
Attorney General Platkin said the indictment also ties three defendants to the October 2023 killing of Philadelphia Police Officer Richard Mendez and the assault of Officer Raul Ortiz. Those charges are being pursued in Pennsylvania.
Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, said the indictments “send a clear message – organized car theft will not be tolerated. These criminal enterprises don’t just steal vehicles; they endanger public safety, fuel violence, and destabilize our communities.”
Defendants and Charges
- Alex Vargas, 27, Camden – first-degree racketeering, first-degree promoting organized street crime, conspiracy to commit theft of motor vehicles, multiple counts of receiving stolen property, attempted fencing, and other charges.
- Alexi Vargas, 24, Pennsauken – first-degree racketeering, first-degree promoting organized street crime, conspiracy, weapons offenses, aggravated assault, and theft-related charges.
- Albert Santana-Fernandez, 27, Philadelphia, Pa. – racketeering, promoting organized street crime, conspiracy, weapons offenses, and theft charges.
- Alexander Batista-Polanco, 22, Camden – racketeering, conspiracy, burglary, and theft offenses.
- Franklyn Rodriguez-Santana, 26, Camden – racketeering, conspiracy, and multiple counts of receiving stolen property.
- Hendrick Pena-Fernandez, 22, Pennsauken – racketeering, conspiracy, burglary, unlawful possession of weapons, and theft offenses.
- Lewys Santana-Pichardo, 25, Camden – racketeering, conspiracy, multiple counts of receiving stolen property, and weapons offenses.
- Randy Garcia-Liriano, 22, Pennsauken – racketeering, conspiracy, unlawful possession of weapons, and theft offenses.
- Yobranny Martinez-Fernandez, 20, Camden – racketeering, conspiracy, burglary, weapons offenses, and multiple theft charges.
- Nelfi Fortuna-Fernandez, 25, Camden – racketeering, conspiracy, receiving stolen property, and hindering apprehension.
- Jimmy Marte-Toledo, 25, Camden – racketeering, weapons offenses, computer criminal activity, and false document charges.
- Steven Fernandez-Ulloa, 20, Camden – racketeering, conspiracy, unlawful possession of weapons, and possession of weapons for unlawful purpose.
- Jeitoni Suarez-Cuevas, 23, Camden – racketeering, conspiracy, weapons offenses, theft charges, and receiving stolen property.
The indictment alleges the enterprise was linked to at least 41 stolen vehicles between July 2021 and January 2024, with more than 20 of the thefts occurring in Pennsylvania.
If convicted, defendants face penalties ranging from up to 18 months in state prison for fourth-degree charges to 20 years for first-degree racketeering.
The investigation was led by the New Jersey State Police, the Division of Criminal Justice, and law enforcement partners in Camden, Burlington, Somerset, Bergen, Union, Mercer, and Essex counties, along with agencies in Pennsylvania and New York.
