Mercer Times

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) have announced charges against a Newark man, Samir White, in connection with an auto theft and home burglary ring. White is the first individual to be charged under New Jersey's enhanced penalties for home invasions and residential burglaries.

White, aged 19, faces several charges including first-degree home invasion burglary, four counts of second-degree residential burglary, theft of motor vehicles, receiving a stolen vehicle, conspiracy to receive a stolen vehicle, and fourth-degree resisting arrest by flight.

“This defendant is being charged under New Jersey’s new home invasion law," said Attorney General Platkin. "New Jerseyans need to be protected from precisely this kind of invasive crime."

DCJ Director Theresa Hilton highlighted the growing boldness of car thieves in obtaining electronic key fobs through illegal entry into homes. "Illegally entering homes in search of key fobs adds another layer of danger and the potential for violence," she noted.

Colonel Patrick J. Callahan emphasized the importance of maintaining security in homes: “Our homes are meant to be a sanctuary... We remain relentless in our pursuit of justice."

White was arrested earlier this month as part of an investigation by the New Jersey State Police Motor Vehicle Crimes North Unit into an auto theft and home burglary ring operating across New Jersey and New York. The group allegedly targeted high-end vehicles valued at approximately $700,000.

The alleged crimes span multiple locations:

- A 2023 BMW X7 was reportedly stolen from Lakewood on November 18.

- A BMW X3 was taken from Sea Girt on December 9.

- Jewelry, a firearm, purses, a key fob, and a Porsche 911 were allegedly stolen from Wall Township on December 11.

- A Mercedes Benz G-Wagon was reportedly taken from Bay Head on December 13.

- Vehicles including a Range Rover and designer items were allegedly stolen from Sea Girt on December 22.

- An Audi RSQ8 key fob was reportedly taken from East Orange on December 22.

On January 16, police observed a stolen BMW X7 in Tinton Falls that led them to Newark where White was arrested after attempting to flee. DCJ’s motion to detain White pending trial was granted by Judge Jill O’Malley.

First-degree crimes could result in up to 20 years imprisonment with fines up to $200,000; second-degree charges carry up to 10 years imprisonment with fines up to $150,000; fourth-degree charges may lead to up to 18 months imprisonment with fines up to $10,000.

The prosecution is managed by DCJ Deputy Attorneys General Matthew Bernal and Jaclyn Dowd under supervision from Deputy Chief Joseph Giordano and Chief Cassandra Montalto. The investigation continues with assistance from various local police departments.

Charges remain accusations until proven guilty in court.