4 Charged In Philly Key-Fob Cloning Vehicle Theft Operation

PHILADELPHIA — Three adults and a juvenile from Philadelphia have been accused of running a vehicle theft ring that used cloned key fobs to steal vehicles.

Attorney General Michelle Henry said Tyreek Brown-Lopez, 19, Kaheem Henry, 20, Kwadir Brockington, 21, are charged with theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, possession of an instrument of crime, and unauthorized use of an automobile. The juvenile will be prosecuted in Juvenile Court.

According to authorities, these four allegedly entered vehicles and stole the vehicles using cloned key fobs that were re-programmed.

Investigators allege dozens of vehicles were stolen and sold, often for as little as $200 each.

Kaheem Henry, Brockington, and the juvenile were arrested in a stolen 2023 Dodge Hellcat SRT SUV.

A search of Brockington’s home revealed a Glock handgun, a rifle, ammunition, and equipment for programming key fobs, authorities said.

Brown-Lopez was arrested near a stolen Chrysler 300 with a broken sunroof. Brown-Lopez was found with a cloned key fob for the stolen vehicle, according to authorities. A subsequent search of his home uncovered a ghost gun and key fob programming equipment, authorities said. An investigation regarding the firearms is ongoing.

"These defendants used technology to their advantage to allegedly access and steal numerous vehicles in the Philadelphia area," AG Henry said. "I strongly urge vehicle owners to be vigilant and take proactive measures to secure their vehicles."

"The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office is proud of the investigative work of our partner agents with the Office of Attorney General," William Fritze, Chief of Gun Violence Task Force for the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, said. "The matter will be vigorously prosecuted by the Assistant District Attorneys assigned to the Gun Violence Task Force."

Brown-Lopez is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Sept. 24, while Kaheem Henry and Brockington are scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Sept. 17.