SOMERSET — A sophisticated crime ring responsible for stealing high-end vehicles across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Connecticut has been dismantled after a yearlong multi-agency law enforcement operation dubbed “Operation Hellcat.”
Detectives from the Somerset Police Department, including Detective Don Cormier and Detective James Cardella, played a pivotal role in the investigation, which began after the theft of three vehicles from local dealerships.
One car was stolen in November and two in July, prompting Somerset detectives to pursue leads and work the case with relentless determination.
The breakthrough came via the MACrimeNet program, which allowed investigators to pool intelligence and uncover connections between numerous cases.
The elaborate scheme involved meticulous planning and coordination to carry out the motor vehicle larcenies.
In support of the multijurisdictional effort, Somerset detectives authored 18 search warrants, contributing significantly to the operation’s overall success.
This month, they also assisted in executing arrest and search warrants related to the case.
Operation Hellcat brought together over 36 law enforcement agencies, including local, state, and federal partners.
The collaboration has led to the identification of 63 vehicles stolen since June, valued at over $2.5 million.
As the investigation pressed forward, 12 arrest warrants were issued in December for individuals involved in the ring, along with search warrants for 11 locations, electronic devices, iCloud storage, and social media accounts.
On Dec. 12, a coordinated effort by Somerset Police, Homeland Security, ATF, FBI, and other law enforcement agencies resulted in the execution of 11 search warrants in the Brockton area.
The MSP STOP Team and tactical units from the FBI, Homeland Security, and the Rhode Island State Police conducted operations at seven of these locations.
The sweep led to 12 arrests on charges ranging from possession of a machine gun to larceny of a motor vehicle.
Authorities also seized firearms, large-capacity magazines, ammunition, and other evidence, such as key fobs and key programming devices, implicating the suspects in the thefts.
