OLD SAYBROOK, CT — A Pennsylvania woman has been arrested following a yearlong investigation into an organized motor vehicle theft ring that targeted dealerships across multiple states.
Tiffine Kyte, 36, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, was arrested in Warren County, New Jersey, on a racketeering warrant issued by Connecticut authorities.
Old Saybrook police began investigating on Feb. 5 after officers responded to Vachon Buick GMC for a report of two previously stolen vehicles.
Investigators determined the vehicles were taken after suspects posed as potential customers at the dealership and cloned their key fobs the day before the thefts.
Detective Sergeant Eric Williams led the investigation, which revealed a pattern of similar thefts throughout New England dating back to March 2024.
Through collaboration with law enforcement partners and execution of search and seizure warrants, detectives determined the group was responsible for seven motor vehicle thefts or attempted thefts in Connecticut between March 2024 and May, with a combined value exceeding $662,000.
Old Saybrook detectives extradited Kyte back to Connecticut on Jan. 15, 2026, where she was held on $275,000 bond.
She was arraigned on Jan. 16, 2026, at Middlesex Superior Court.
Kyte faces four counts of larceny in the first degree of a motor vehicle and six counts of conspiracy to commit larceny in the first degree of a motor vehicle.
The charges stem from incidents in Glastonbury, Coventry, Ridgefield, Old Saybrook and Fairfield.
Eight police departments in New Jersey and three in New York have contacted Old Saybrook police reporting nearly identical thefts.
Investigators have identified 20 vehicles stolen or targeted by the group across three states, with a combined value exceeding $2.4 million.
Evidence developed by Old Saybrook detectives has assisted partner agencies in New York and New Jersey with arrests in their jurisdictions.
