CAMDEN, N.J. – Thirteen individuals, including alleged ringleaders Alex Vargas, 27, and Alexi Vargas, 24, have been charged in a multi-state auto theft operation connected to the 2023 murder of Philadelphia Police Sergeant Richard Mendez.
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin announced the charges, which include racketeering, burglary, assault, and related offenses, stemming from a criminal enterprise that targeted high-end vehicles across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New York.
The suspects allegedly stole at least 41 vehicles over a span of three years, focusing on Jeep Grand Cherokees, Dodge Chargers, Durangos, and Ram trucks. The thefts primarily occurred in Camden, Mercer, and Burlington counties in New Jersey, as well as in Philadelphia and Scranton, PA.
Authorities say the group used a consistent method: breaking the rear windows with tools such as screwdrivers, wrenches, or bolt cutters, then using key re-programmers to drive off with the cars. The stolen vehicles were transported back to Camden County, where they were resold via social media and text messages.
The full list of defendants includes:
Alex Vargas
Alexi Vargas
Albert Santana-Fernandez
Franklyn Rodriguez-Santana
Yobranny Martinez-Fernandez
Randy Garcia-Liriano
Alexander Batista-Polanco
Jeitoni Suarez-Cuevas
Lewys Santana-Pichardo
Nelfi Fortuna-Fernandez
Steve Fernandez Ulloa
Hendrick Pena-Fernandez
Jimmy Marte-Toledo
Three of the men — Batista-Polanco, Martinez-Fernandez, and Pena-Fernandez — are also charged with the 2023 murder of Sergeant Richard Mendez, who was shot and killed during an attempted vehicle theft investigation at Philadelphia International Airport.
Sergeant Mendez, 50, was a 23-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department and was ambushed while on duty with his partner in October 2023.
All 13 suspects are currently in custody. If convicted of the first-degree charges, they face 10 to 20 years in prison and fines up to $200,000.
