Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice have announced charges against a Newark man, Samir White, 19, and four co-defendants in connection with a car theft ring. The group is accused of targeting high-end vehicles.
White faces multiple charges including conspiracy, auto theft, home invasion burglary, and weapons offenses. His co-defendants — Quamine McDonald, Samir Jordan, Tysir Philips, and Tauheed McLean — are also charged for their roles in the alleged theft operation.
“Breaking into homes, as is alleged in this indictment, adds a new level of danger to the crime of car theft,” said Attorney General Platkin. “The charges we are announcing today also include weapons offenses. Protecting the public is our highest priority, and cases like this one go a long way toward making our residents safer in their homes.”
DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton stated that the indictment includes charges for auto theft and home invasion burglary. “They also are alleged to have stolen weapons, jewelry, and other items. Shutting down criminal networks like this takes excellent work by everyone in law enforcement.”
Colonel Patrick J. Callahan of the New Jersey State Police emphasized the severity of these crimes: “Breaking into people’s homes to steal vehicles is not just a property crime—it’s a violation of the very sense of security every resident deserves.”
From September 2024 through February 10, 2025, an investigation by the New Jersey State Police Motor Vehicle Crimes North Unit focused on an auto theft and home burglary crew allegedly led by White. The group reportedly targeted locations across Monmouth, Ocean, and Essex counties using stolen vehicles to facilitate their crimes.
Several incidents were highlighted:
– On September 24, 2024: A Land Rover was stolen from Wall Township.
– On November 18: A BMW X7 was taken from Lakewood.
– On December 9: A BMW X3 was stolen from Sea Girt.
– On December 11: A residence in Wall Township was burglarized with items including jewelry and a Porsche being taken.
– Additional thefts occurred on various dates involving high-value vehicles such as Mercedes Benz G-Wagon and Range Rovers.
White’s involvement was allegedly confirmed through surveillance data linking him to these crimes.
Attorney General Platkin expressed gratitude towards various county prosecutors’ offices and police departments for their collaboration on this case.
Deputy Attorneys General Jaclyn Dowd is prosecuting under Deputy Chief Matthew Bernal’s supervision.
The potential penalties for first-degree crimes include up to 20 years in prison with fines reaching $200,000; second-degree charges could result in up to 10 years imprisonment with fines up to $150,000; third-degree offenses carry possible sentences of up to five years with fines reaching $15,000.
It is important to note that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
