A crackdown on a major car theft operation in Massachusetts led to the arrest of twelve individuals on Thursday, December 14, 2024. The suspects are believed to be part of a high-end car theft ring responsible for stealing at least 63 vehicles worth an estimated $2.6 million.
The operation, dubbed “Operation Hellcat,” involved 38 local and federal law enforcement agencies working together throughout 2024. The investigation culminated with the execution of search warrants at 11 homes and a garage in Brockton, Fall River, and North Easton.
The suspects are accused of coordinating thefts at car dealerships throughout Massachusetts and nearby states. Investigators believe they used specialized programming devices to turn blank key fobs into functional keys, allowing them to break into vehicles and drive away with them.
In addition to the vehicle theft charges, some of the suspects are facing firearm-related charges. These include possession of selector switches, which convert semi-automatic guns into fully automatic machine guns.
List of Arrested Individuals:
James Senat, 19, of Brockton: Charged with possession of a machine gun, breaking and entering a motor vehicle at night (4 counts), and receiving a stolen motor vehicle. Bail set at $100,000.
Andrick Semedo, 20, of Brockton: Charged with possession of ammunition without a LTC and receiving a stolen motor vehicle. Bail revoked.
Paulo Semedo, 58, of Brockton: Charged with possession of a firearm with a LTC. Bail set at $1,000.
Kevin DaGraca, 18, of Brockton: Charged with possession of a firearm capable of accepting a large capacity feeding device, and possession of ammunition without a LTC. Bail set at $50,000.
Jason Brito, 20, of Brockton: Charged with possession of a firearm without a LTC, possession of ammunition, and possession of burglarious tools. Bail set at $50,000.
Nelshon Pires, 19, of Brockton: Charged with possession of burglarious tools and receiving a stolen motor vehicle. Bail revoked.
Jalen Clarke-Cox, 19, of Brockton: Charged with breaking and entering a motor vehicle at night and receiving stolen property. Bail set at $5,000.
Derek Gaillot, 18, of Brockton: Charged with receiving a stolen vehicle. Bail set at $5,000.
Claudio Medina, 20, of Brockton: Charged with breaking and entering a motor vehicle at night and larceny over $1,200. Bail set at $5,000.
Jaydin Rodrigues, 20, of Brockton: Charged with receiving a stolen vehicle. Released on his own recognizance.
Andy Gomes, 23, of Brockton: Charged with possession of burglarious tools. Arrested on a separate warrant.
Micaiah Taylor, 21, of North Easton: Charged with receiving a stolen motor vehicle. Bail set at $5,000.
Authorities are still looking for one more suspect who remains wanted for their involvement in the theft ring. The investigation is ongoing, and additional arrests are possible as authorities continue to investigate the scheme’s operation.