CENTRAL ISLIP, NY – A Suffolk County grand jury has indicted 13 individuals accused of participating in a widespread car theft and credit card fraud scheme operating from February 2023 to August 2024. Authorities say the group, allegedly linked to the Hempstead/Freeport-based “5-L” or “CC Boyz” gang, carried out a series of vehicle break-ins, thefts, and fraudulent transactions across Long Island.
Investigators determined the suspects broke into 52 vehicles, stole 15 cars, and took 75 credit cards, which they used to rack up over $40,000 in fraudulent purchases at major retail stores before victims could report their cards stolen.
Criminal Operation and Methods
The group allegedly used real estate apps to target specific neighborhoods where residents were more likely to leave vehicles unlocked or with valuables inside. Their focus included assisted living homes, golf courses, hotels, and high-end gyms, where cars would remain unattended for extended periods.
The suspects reportedly engaged in a practice they called “car checking” or “CC-ing,” breaking into vehicles in the early morning hours, searching for wallets and credit cards, and, in some cases, stealing the vehicles themselves. The stolen cars were used to commit additional crimes before being abandoned or swapped for new stolen vehicles.
In addition to vehicle-related crimes, a separate grand larceny and identity theft operation was uncovered during the investigation. Some suspects allegedly conducted phishing scams to access victims’ bank accounts, issue fraudulent debit cards, and withdraw over $50,000.
Search Warrants & Evidence Seized
Authorities executed search warrants at the residences of key suspects, leading to the recovery of:
- Over 100 driver’s licenses
- 45 credit and debit cards
- 20 checkbooks
- Passports and Social Security cards
- Two firearms, including one stolen weapon
Indicted Defendants and Charges
Among those indicted, several face felony charges, including grand larceny, identity theft, conspiracy, and criminal possession of a weapon. Some individuals, such as Shawn Mullen, Trevon Brandon-Douse, and Zion Fenner, are accused of breaking into dozens of vehicles and stealing multiple cars. Others are charged with facilitating financial fraud or aiding the theft ring.
While some suspects remain in custody with high bail amounts, others have been released due to current New York State bail laws, which classify their charges as non-violent felonies. Authorities have expressed frustration over these laws, stating they allow organized crime operations to continue with minimal consequences.
A full list of the defendants and their charges can be found in the Suffolk County District Attorney’s official press release here.
Ongoing Investigation
The case was developed by the Suffolk County Police Department’s Fifth Squad, the District Attorney’s Gang Task Force, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and other agencies. Authorities continue to seek one suspect, Rahmadon Cruz, who remains at large.
Law enforcement officials urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.
