New Jersey Man Admits to Running Vehicle Theft Ring

A New Jersey man has admitted to supervising an auto theft ring that authorities say stole over 100 vehicles worth a total of more than $550,000.

The Attorney General’s office says 33-year-old Jose D. Lopez of South Amboy pleaded guilty Friday to first-degree promotion of organized street crime and other charges.

Acting Attorney General John Hoffman says the auto theft ring also impacted the jobs of hard-working New Jersey contractors by stealing vans and tools belonging to plumbers, electricians and painters.

Lopez admitted to conspiring to steal 104 vehicles in Middlesex County, including multiple Honda passenger vehicles, Ford contractor vans, one trailer, one Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycle, and other vehicles.

He could face up to 15 years in prison at his Sept. 16 sentencing.