Joseph Y. Cartagena, Vehicle Theft, Connecticut 2023

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Table of Contents

Four Men Charged with Stealing Millions in Vehicles, Phones, and ATMs

A 13-count superseding indictment has been unsealed against four men from the Bronx, alleging they stole millions of dollars in vehicles, phones, ATMs, and other merchandise from various locations in Connecticut, New York, and elsewhere.

The indictment charges Joseph Y. Cartagena, 25, Alexander J. Santiago, 26, Douglas Noble, 27, and Justin J. Herrera, 21, with conspiracy to possess and transport stolen vehicles and property, as well as various counts of transportation of a stolen vehicle, possession of a stolen vehicle, transportation of stolen property, and possession of stolen property. These offenses carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count.

According to the indictment, the group burglarized car dealerships, mobile phone stores, and check cashing businesses in Connecticut and elsewhere, often targeting multiple locations in one night. From dealerships, they stole vehicle key fobs and vehicles, while from mobile phone stores, they stole cell phones, electronics, and other merchandise. From check cashing businesses, they stole ATMs. The stolen property was then transported back to New York, often with the group engaging in high-speed chases with law enforcement, which the police would terminate for safety reasons.

Members of the theft ring are suspected to have committed over 130 burglaries and stolen millions of dollars in property.

The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury in Hartford on February 16 and unsealed on March 29. Cartagena and Santiago are currently detained, while Herrera was released on bond and Noble surrendered to law enforcement yesterday.

Acting U.S. Attorney Leonard C. Boyle stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt and that charges are only allegations. The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut State Police, with the assistance of numerous local police departments.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Ruff and Michael S. McGarry.