Massachusetts Charges 12 With Running $2.6 Million High-End Car Theft Ring

Massachusetts law enforcement officials report that 12 individuals identified as stealing 63 high-end vehicles totaling more than $2.6 million have been arraigned.

Another individual related to the investigation has an outstanding warrant and has not yet been arrested.

The takedown of the theft ring was a joint operation by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, the Massachusetts State Police, and the Brockton Police Department and the execution of search warrants at 12 locations, including 11 residences and a garage, in Brockton, Fall River, and North Easton. The warrants were executed simultaneously by more than 200 members of law enforcement.

Investigators said that during the takedown, they seized firearms, large-capacity magazines, ammunition, and other evidence including key fobs, key programming devices, and clothing that tied the individuals to their alleged crimes,

“Operation Hellcat” was a year-long investigation involving 38 local and federal law enforcement agencies. Throughout the course of the investigation, individuals were identified as participants in high end car thefts totaling more than $2.6 million. Through the collective investigation, 63 stolen vehicles can be attributed to the theft organization.

Investigators identified a pattern of conduct for the suspects that began as early as June 2023 and continued until as recently as December 2024. Investigators said they believe the individuals worked in groups of two to 10 to coordinate thefts at dealerships throughout the Commonwealth and surrounding states.

The group allegedly used Autel programming devices that allow users to take a blank key fob and create fully functioning keys for vehicles. After breaking into the vehicles, the suspects connected the Autel device into the vehicle, allowing them to create a new key fob within minutes.

Investigators also learned that several suspects had ordered firearm parts including selector switches, which are conversion devices that are designed for the sole purpose of converting semi-automatic Glock style firearms into fully automatic machine guns, online.

All of the charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The following suspects were arrested and arraigned: James Senat, 19; Andrick Semedo, 20; Paulo Semedo, 58; Kevin DaGraca, 18; Jason Brito, 20; Nelshon Pires, 19; Jalen Clarke-Cox, 19; Derek Gaillot, 18; Claudio Medina, 20; Jaydin Rodrigues, 20; Andy Gomes, 23; and Micaiah Taylor, 21.

Topics Auto Fraud Massachusetts