Politics

14 Indicted in New York in Connection With Alleged Package Theft Ring

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Nov 28, 2025

THE BARE STORY

Prosecutors in Suffolk County, New York, announced this week the indictment of 14 people on 50 felony charges in connection with an alleged package theft ring. The group is accused of stealing hundreds of smartphones and tablets. According to the Suffolk County District Attorney, the indictment followed an investigation that spanned from October 2023 to February 2025.

Prosecutors allege the group operated a "sophisticated porch pirate criminal organization" that illegally accessed FedEx shipping data to target high-value electronics from carriers like Verizon and AT&T. The group allegedly intercepted packages minutes after delivery. The district attorney's office also claimed the ring sometimes shipped items to "fictitious" individuals to facilitate theft and, in at least one instance, used a stolen identity to place an order.

The Suffolk County District Attorney, Ray Tierney, identified the alleged ringleader as 29-year-old Andricson Jerez. Prosecutors claimed the operation involved "runners" who stole the packages and "lieutenants" who transported them to a stash house in the Bronx. From there, the goods were allegedly sold to a Manhattan electronics store or to wholesalers. A search of the Bronx location reportedly yielded 200 new phones and over $100,000 in other merchandise.

Mr. Jerez was released on a $75,000 bond. Prosecutors noted he also faces similar charges in New Jersey and separate federal charges. The status of the other defendants varies; one is jailed on $50,000 bail, while another accepted voluntary departure from ICE custody in July, and others were reportedly released without bail or are on supervised release. The method used to access the shipping data remains under investigation.

Same Facts. Different Perspectives.

Two AI models. Two viewpoints. One factual foundation.

Perspective by Claude

• A sophisticated and organized criminal ring was dismantled. Prosecutors allege the 14 indicted individuals were part of a "sophisticated porch pirate criminal organization." The district attorney’s office described a clear hierarchy, with an alleged ringleader, "lieutenants" who transported goods, and "runners" who carried out the package thefts.

• The group allegedly used inside data to target high-value electronics. The indictment claims the ring illegally accessed FedEx shipping data to identify and intercept deliveries of smartphones and tablets from carriers like Verizon and AT&T. Prosecutors also stated the group sometimes used "fictitious" individuals and at least one stolen identity to facilitate the thefts, with packages allegedly intercepted just minutes after delivery.

• A search yielded a significant amount of allegedly stolen merchandise. According to the district attorney's office, a search of a Bronx stash house resulted in the recovery of 200 new phones. The search also reportedly yielded over $100,000 in other merchandise, which prosecutors claim was part of the operation's inventory before being sold.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• The security of your shipping data may be at risk, as the method for illegally accessing FedEx information to target packages remains under investigation.

• Customers ordering high-value electronics from major carriers could face a risk of targeted theft, as this ring allegedly intercepted packages minutes after delivery.

• There is a potential risk of identity theft, as the group allegedly used at least one stolen identity to place orders for high-value merchandise.

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