By: Richard L. Smith
State officials have charged four men in a 61-count indictment tied to a string of home invasions and vehicle thefts across South Jersey, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced.
Tyree Payton, 25, and Jeremiah Lugo, 19, both of Clementon; Israel Ortiz, 23, of Sewell; and Sakie Smith, 30, of Philadelphia, were indicted by a state grand jury on October 22, 2025.
The charges include home invasion burglary, conspiracy, auto theft, and credit card fraud.
Attorney General Platkin said the group’s actions went beyond stealing cars.
“Breaking into people’s homes to steal vehicles is not just a property crime,” he said. “It’s a dangerous escalation and a violation of the security every resident deserves.”
Investigators say the suspects stole or attempted to steal 15 vehicles between March 15 and May 23, 2025, mostly high-end models left unlocked or with keys inside.
Among the incidents charged:
• April 27, 2025: A 2024 BMW X4 stolen from a Moorestown home after the suspects allegedly returned armed.
• April 23, 2025: A 2019 Alfa Romeo stolen in Medford; the stolen credit cards were used in Cherry Hill.
• April 20, 2025: A 2019 Mercedes-Benz S63 taken from Ventnor City and later found near Philadelphia International Airport.
Authorities say the case highlights a growing concern over organized theft rings that target homes to access key fobs and steal luxury vehicles.