4 Men Indicted In Massive CT Theft Ring Case

HARTFORD, CT — Four men have been indicted in connection with the theft of millions of dollars in vehicles, phones, ATMs and other merchandise from numerous locations in Connecticut, New York and elsewhere, according to a statement from federal prosecutors.

The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury in Hartford Feb. 16 and unsealed earlier this week. Those indicted include Josepher Cartagena, 25, of the Bronx, NY; Alexander Santiago, 26, of the Bronx, NY; Douglas Noble, 27, of the Bronx, NY; and Justin Herrera, 21, formerly of Levittown, NY.

The four men are accused of being members of a theft ring that burglarized car dealerships, mobile phone stores, and check cashing businesses in Connecticut and elsewhere, often burglarizing multiple locations in one night. They stole vehicles, ATMs, cell phones, and other items.

They then transported the stolen property back to New York, often escaping from police in high-speed chases, according to prosecutors.

The theft ring is suspected to have committed more than 130 burglaries and stolen millions of dollars in property.

The indictment charges each of the defendants with one count of conspiracy to possess and transport stolen vehicles and property. They are also charged with various counts of transportation of a stolen vehicle, possession of a stolen vehicle, transportation of stolen property and possession of stolen property.

Law enforcement attempted to arrest Cartagena on a federal arrest warrant Dec. 23 when Cartagena dropped a firearm and escaped by ramming multiple FBI vehicles with his vehicle, which was stolen.

Investigators caught Cartagena late that night after an all-day search.

A police search of Cartagena’s home revealed hundreds of thousands of dollars of suspected stolen merchandise, more than 30 vehicle key fobs, various license plates, 9mm ammunition, and about $89,000 in cash.

When police attempted a search of Santiago’s home Jan. 15, Santiago’s pit bull attacked an FBI agent and badly wounded his arm. Santiago was arrested, and a search of the home revealed approximately 20 new cell phones in boxes, approximately 40 vehicle key fobs, a police radio, a glass-punch device, two firearms and a substantial amount of ammunition.

Herrera was arrested in Florida, where he had recently moved, on March 10.

Noble surrendered to law enforcement yesterday.

Cartagena and Santiago are detained, and Herrera and Noble are released on bond.