2 teens, 2 adults charged in connection with auto theft trafficking network across New Jersey
UNION COUNTY, NJ – Two teens and two adults have been arrested and charged with allegedly participating in an organized auto theft trafficking network, according to Union County Prosecutor William Daniel. The arrests were announced Friday following a four-month investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies across New Jersey.
Tikeem Shearin, 18, and Carlos Espinal, 19, both from Newark, face serious charges including first-degree promotion of organized street crime, second-degree leadership of an auto theft trafficking network, and second-degree conspiracy to commit auto theft. Shearin is also charged with 10 counts of receiving stolen motor vehicles and 9 counts of fencing stolen vehicles. Espinal faces 7 counts of receiving stolen vehicles and 5 counts of fencing.
Both adults are currently held at the Essex County Jail.
The two juveniles, a 16-year-old from Newark and a 17-year-old from Jersey City, have been charged with various offenses including burglary, conspiracy to commit theft of motor vehicles, and possession of stolen vehicles, as well as involvement in the auto theft trafficking network.
The investigation revealed that the juveniles would use stolen Kia, Honda, and Hyundai vehicles to scout for high-end luxury cars such as BMWs, Mercedes, Range Rovers, and Audis. Once target vehicles were identified, they would search residences for keys or key fobs. The adults then facilitated the sale of the stolen vehicles to potential buyers.
Investigators documented nearly $1 million in stolen vehicles connected to the group, with offenses recorded in multiple municipalities including Union, Roselle, Garwood, Kenilworth, Cranford, Hoboken, Jersey City, Maplewood, Englewood, Englewood Cliffs, Montville, Fair Lawn, Woodbridge, Irvington, Montclair, and Newark.
This ongoing investigation is expected to yield additional charges, and authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Detective Michael Tambini at 908-527-4500. Tips can also be submitted anonymously at 908-654-TIPS (8477) or online at www.uctip.org, with rewards of up to $10,000 available through the Union County Crime Stoppers program for tips leading to an arrest.
