TRENTON, NJ – A five-month investigation by the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) and multiple law enforcement agencies led to charges against 14 individuals involved in alleged chop shop operations linked to the theft of over 35 vehicles statewide.
The defendants were arrested last week in Paterson, Elmwood Park, and Passaic, NJ. Search warrants yielded six stolen motor vehicles, numerous stolen vehicle components, an assault rifle, controlled dangerous substances, and cash believed to be crime proceeds.
Carlos Torres, 41, of Paterson, is identified as the orchestrator of the chop shop operations. Torres and the other defendants are facing charges ranging from conspiracy to operate chop shops to receiving stolen property and various other offenses.
This operation underlines the law enforcement commitment to reduce theft and violent crime in New Jersey by dismantling these networks, explained Attorney General Platkin.