Newark Man Sentenced to Nearly Six Years in Federal Prison for Car Theft Ring
2024-11-25
A Newark man has faced severe legal consequences as federal prosecutors announced his sentencing to nearly six years in federal prison. This case highlights the extent of a multi-state car theft ring that operated from 2016 to 2020 and amassed significant profits through the sale of stolen vehicles. Warren Guerrier, 47, was handed a 70-month prison term on Monday, following his guilty plea in June in Newark federal court for conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Uncovering the Dark Side of a Car Theft Operation
Orchestrating the Crime
During this criminal scheme, Guerrier and his co-conspirators targeted specific vehicles with precision. They installed GPS tracking devices to keep a close eye on the locations of their intended targets. Once the cars were located, they were stolen, and the stolen vehicles were then photographed and advertised for sale online. Unsuspecting buyers were lured in with falsified certificates of title and fake identification documents, making it difficult for law enforcement to trace the stolen cars.At least 40 cars were stolen during this nearly four-year operation, with the group selling them for prices ranging from ,500 to ,000. This resulted in a total earnings of about 5,000, demonstrating the substantial financial gain from this illegal activity.The stolen vehicles were taken from various locations across different states. Parsippany, Paterson, East Orange, and the Edison train station were among the places where cars were targeted. Apartment complexes, hotels, and shopping centers also frequently became victims of this theft ring.
Operating Beyond New Jersey
Guerrier and his crew didn't limit their criminal activities to New Jersey. They also operated in New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, using aliases and fake documents to conceal their identities. This widespread operation made it even more challenging for law enforcement to bring them to justice.During the investigation, law enforcement made a significant discovery. They found Guerrier living in a Hackensack apartment under the name "Michael Smith." In his apartment, authorities found GPS tracking records and photos of stolen cars, providing crucial evidence against him.Guerrier was arrested in June 2020 and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft after a lengthy investigation. In addition to his 70-month prison term, he was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay 1,637 in restitution.This case serves as a reminder of the importance of law enforcement efforts in combating organized crime and protecting the public. It also highlights the need for increased security measures to prevent such theft rings from operating and causing harm.Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.
