Police lights

By Sam Barron From Daily Voice

Four men were indicted for their roles in an auto theft and home invasion ring throughout New Jersey, authorities announced Friday, Nov. 7.

Tyree Payton, a 25-year-old Clementon resident, Israel Ortiz, a 23-year-old Sewell resident, Sakie Smith, a 30-year-old Philadelphia resident and Jeremiah Lugo, a 19-year-old Clementon resident face numerous charges of home invasion burglary, conspiracy, auto theft, receiving stolen motor vehicles, burglary, credit card theft, and other crimes, Attorney General Mathew Platkin said.

From March 15, 2025 to May 23, 2025, a total of 11 vehicles were stolen from residences, with defendants also attempting to steal four additional motor vehicles, Platkin said

On Sunday, April 20, a Mercedes Benz S63 was stolen from Ventor City after the vehicle was unlocked with the keys inside, Platkin said. The vehicle was later recovered by Philadelphia police near the Philadelphia Airport, Platkin said. Ortiz, Payton, Lugo, made fraudulent purchases with credit cards they found in the vehicle, Platkin said.

On Wednesday, April 23, , a white 2019 Alfa Romeo was stolen from a home in Medford, Platkin said. Credit cards from the vehicle were used hours later in Cherry Hill, Platkin said.

On Sunday, April 27, a 2024 BMW X4 was stolen from a garage of a home in Moorestown, Platkin said. Payton was armed with a firearm during the robbery, Platkin said.