Auto-Theft Ring Stole 11 Vehicles, Targeting Burlington Co. Homes: AG

Four men were charged in a 61-count indictment for their roles in a South Jersey auto-theft ring that stole 11 vehicles in two months, authorities said Friday.

The suspects targeted driveways with high-end vehicles that were typically left unlocked and sometimes had the keys inside, according to the NJ Office of the Attorney General (OAG).

They stole 11 vehicles and tried to steal four more from homes in Burlington County and the surrounding area between March 15 and May 23, the OAG said.

The following defendants were indicted Oct. 22 on charges related to auto thefts, home-invasion burglary, conspiracy and credit card thefts:

• Tyree Payton, 25, of Clementon
• Israel Ortiz, 23, of Sewell
• Sakie Smith, 30, of Philadelphia
• Jeremiah Lugo, 19, of Clementon

"In addition to stealing high-end luxury vehicles, these defendants are charged with stealing credit cards, motorcycles, a scooter, a trailer — literally anything they could get their hands on," said Theresa L. Hilton, director of the OAG's Division of Criminal Justice.

Patch contacted the state public defender's office for comment from Payton's attorney and will update with any response. Attorney information for Ortiz, Smith and Lugo wasn't immediately available in online court records.

In one incident, a 2024 BMW X4 was stolen April 27 from a home in Moorestown, the OAG said. Initially, the suspects fled the area when the resident tried to confront them in the driveway. Shortly after, they returned to the garage and stole the vehicle, authorities said.

While entering the garage, one of the suspects took out a handgun, authorities said. Investigators believe Payton brandished the firearm and that Ortiz and Smith were also involved in the incident.

Four days earlier, a white 2019 Alfa Romero was stolen from a home in Medford, the OAG said. Credit cards from the vehicle were used hours later in Cherry Hill. Payton and Ortiz were involved in the car theft and fraudulently used the credit cards with Smith, according to the indictment.

The New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice and Burlington County Prosecutor's Office led the investigation with special help from the Moorestown, Medford and Mount Laurel police departments. About a dozen other South Jersey police departments also assisted.