A Saudi Arabian man has been charged with transporting a stolen school bus across state lines in New Jersey.
Bader Alzahrani, 24, of Saudi Arabia, pleaded guilty on August 14, 2024, to one count of an indictment charging him with interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle.
The crime took place on January 15, 2023, when a break-in was reported in an unoccupied residential home in Livingston, New Jersey. A search of a backpack in that home revealed a Saudi Arabian passport with the name Bader Alzahrani, along with other items that appeared to belong to Alzahrani.
On January 17, 2023, the Livingston, New Jersey Board of Education reported that a school bus was stolen from a parking lot across the street from the unoccupied residential home where the break-in was reported.
Law enforcement located Alzahrani in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, and after he was taken into custody, they recovered the keys to the stolen school bus.
The count of interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle is punishable by a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and carries a fine of up to $250,000.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 9, 2024. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI and task force officers of the Joint Terrorism Task Force with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.
Bader Alzahrani’s guilty plea marks a significant development in the case, which has been under investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies. The recovery of the stolen school bus and the apprehension of the defendant are a testament to the hard work and dedication of law enforcement officers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin, Co-Chief of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.
Bader Alzahrani’s guilty plea will have significant consequences for the defendant, who faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The investigation into the stolen school bus is a reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies. The recovery of the stolen vehicle and the apprehension of the defendant are a testament to the effectiveness of these efforts.
Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Violent CrimeViolent CrimeViolent CrimeViolent Crime