BOSTON — In a sweeping takedown dubbed “Operation Hellcat,” a year-long investigation culminated on Dec. 12 with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, state police, and local law enforcement arresting 12 individuals linked to a sophisticated car theft ring.
Suspects arraigned in Brockton District Court are believed responsible for stealing at least 63 high-end vehicles worth over $2.6 million.
The joint operation between the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office’s Enterprise and Major Crimes Division (EMCD), the Massachusetts State Police (MSP), and the Brockton Police Department (BPD) involved executing search warrants at multiple locations in Brockton, Fall River, and North Easton.
Authorities seized firearms, ammunition, key fobs, programming devices, and other evidence from 11 residences and a garage.
The criminal enterprise, operating since June 2023, targeted dealerships across the Commonwealth and neighboring states.
The suspects allegedly used Autel programming devices to create functioning keys for stolen vehicles within minutes.
Some individuals also ordered firearm parts online that could convert semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons.
More than 200 law enforcement officers participated in the operation, which involved coordination among 38 local and federal agencies.
The 12 individuals, all presumed innocent until proven guilty, face various charges ranging from possession of firearms and ammunition without licenses to receiving stolen motor vehicles.
Among those arraigned, James Senat, 19, faces the highest bail at $100,000 for multiple charges including possession of a machine gun.
Others, such as Jaydin Rodrigues, 20, were released on recognizance.
All cases are ongoing, and one suspect remains at large with an outstanding warrant.
Assistant Attorney General Diana Fantasia and other officials led the investigation, highlighting the critical role of interagency cooperation in tackling complex criminal networks.
