SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — An investigation into stolen motorcycles and ATVs in Camden led police into a rabbit hole of organized crime.
Eleven people were arrested for their alleged involvement in a crime ring involving theft, drug sales and gun trafficking, according to acting New Jersey Attorney General Andrew Bruck.
“We have seized 20 illegal firearms, including two assault rifles and eight ghost guns, as well as several large-capacity magazines,” he said.
Ghost guns are sold in parts without serial numbers or background checks, making them especially attractive to criminals.
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New Jersey State Police Superintendent Patrick Callahan said the investigation actually began with stolen motorcycles and ATVs, but it led authorities to the weapons trafficking operation.
“Our detectives developed information that 28-year-old Lamar Soto of Camden allegedly was the leader of a theft ring that targeted such vehicles,” he said.
Callahan said it didn’t take very long before police also discovered the sales of meth, cocaine and illegal guns.
Two of the 11 suspects charged are siblings of Soto: Jirman, 25, and Selena, 24.
All 11 defendants each face numerous charges, including conspiracy to steal and traffic stolen motorcycles.
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Lamar and Jirman Soto, as well as Ruben Zayas and Wendell Bethea, are also charged with conspiring to distribute meth and cocaine.
All defendants except Bethea and Alberto Lopez are charged with first-degree racketeering.
Lamar Soto also faces charges of organized street crime, leading a firearms trafficking network, and distributing meth.
Other defendants named in the indictment include Julio Arroyo, 33; Genaro Molina, 23; Ashley Petruchelli, 36; Luis Rivera, 38; and Pedro Luciano, 37; all of Camden.
All were arrested in June except for Luciano, who is still at large. Lamar and Jirman Soto remain behind bars pending trial.
The FBI, ATF and the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office helped in the investigation.