By: Tracie Carter
Five individuals — including two juveniles — have been sentenced for their roles in a large-scale auto theft trafficking ring that targeted luxury vehicles across New Jersey, according to a statement released by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.
On May 9, 2025, three adults from Newark — Tikeem Shearin, 19, Carlos Espinal, 20, and Sincere Sims, 21 — were each sentenced to five years in New Jersey State Prison after pleading guilty to second-degree charges of leading an auto theft trafficking network.
Union County Superior Court Judge Regina Caulfield imposed the sentences.
Two juvenile defendants, ages 16 and 17, received three-year sentences at the Jamesburg Juvenile Detention Center following proceedings in Union County Family Court on April 30 and May 9.
The charges stemmed from a joint investigation led by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office Intelligence and Narcotics Division, with support from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and multiple law enforcement agencies across six counties.
The probe began after a series of home and vehicle burglaries linked to high-end car thefts across numerous towns and cities.
According to prosecutors, the two juveniles operated by using previously stolen Kia, Honda, and Hyundai vehicles to scout neighborhoods for premium vehicles, including BMWs, Mercedes-Benz, Audis, and Range Rovers.
After locating a target, they would search nearby residences for key fobs or entry points, steal the cars, and then coordinate with adult members of the ring to sell the stolen vehicles.
Authorities estimate that the defendants were responsible for stealing nearly $1 million worth of vehicles.
The crimes took place in communities including Union, Roselle, Cranford, Kenilworth, Jersey City, Maplewood, Englewood, Montville, and Newark, among others.
The investigation was a coordinated effort involving law enforcement agencies and prosecutors’ offices in Union, Essex, Hudson, Bergen, Morris, and Middlesex Counties, with additional support from more than 20 municipal police departments.
“This case highlights the strength of collaboration among law enforcement across county lines,” said Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel. He also praised the work of Detective Michael Tambini and Assistant Prosecutors Alaina Caliendo and Tracy Boyd for their roles in managing the investigation and court proceedings.
The successful prosecution marks the conclusion of a months-long operation that disrupted a sophisticated criminal enterprise targeting communities across northern and central New Jersey.