Old Saybrook, Conn., police: Pennsylvania woman arrested in Warren County, N.J., in auto theft ring probe
OLD SAYBROOK, Conn. (Middlesex County) — A 37-year-old Pennsylvania woman was arrested in Warren County, and extradited to Connecticut in connection with what police described as a large-scale organized motor vehicle theft operation that targeted dealerships across multiple states.
Old Saybrook Police Chief William C. Onofrio said the investigation began after officers responded Feb. 5, 2025, to Vachon Buick GMC at 225 Middlesex Turnpike for a report of two previously stolen vehicles. Police determined the vehicles were taken after key fobs were cloned while suspects posed as potential customers at the dealership the day before the theft, Onofrio said.
Detectives later identified a pattern consistent with similar thefts across New England dating back to March 2024, police said. In those cases, suspects visited dealerships to view specific vehicles, then swapped or cloned key fobs before the vehicles were stolen later — or an attempt was made to steal them — authorities said.
Detective Sgt. Eric Williams led the investigation, police said. Through collaboration with other agencies and the execution of technology-related search and seizure warrants, detectives concluded the group was responsible for seven vehicle thefts or attempted thefts in Connecticut between March 2024 and May 2025, with a combined value exceeding $662,000, police said.
With authorization from Middlesex County State’s Attorney Michael Gailor and other state’s attorney offices, police said a racketeering arrest warrant was issued for Tiffine Kyte, 37, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Extradition was granted and Kyte was arrested in Warren County, New Jersey, though police did not release the exact location, authorities said.
Old Saybrook detectives extradited Kyte back to Connecticut on Jan. 15, 2026, police said. She was held on $275,000 bond and arraigned the next day in Middlesex Superior Court, GA #9, authorities said.
Police said the investigation has expanded beyond Connecticut. Onofrio said Old Saybrook has been contacted by eight police departments in New Jersey and three in New York reporting similar thefts. Investigators have identified 20 vehicles stolen or targeted by the group across three states, with a combined value exceeding $2.4 million, police said. Evidence developed in Old Saybrook has assisted partner agencies with arrests in New York and New Jersey, police said.
“This case highlights the value of strong partnerships between law enforcement agencies and the private sector,” Onofrio said. “Organized theft rings rely on opportunity and anonymity. When businesses, residents, and police share information and remain vigilant, we significantly reduce those opportunities and protect our communities.”
Kyte was charged with four counts of first-degree larceny of a motor vehicle and six counts of conspiracy to commit first-degree larceny of a motor vehicle, police said. The charges stem from incidents in Glastonbury, Coventry, Ridgefield, Old Saybrook and Fairfield, authorities said.
