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The group, associated with the Hempstead/Freeport-based gang “5-L” or “CC Boyz,” targeted cars across Suffolk County between February 2023 and August 2024, stealing 15 vehicles, breaking into 52 more, and taking 75 credit cards, which they used to make more than $40,000 in fraudulent purchases, prosecutors alleged.
The suspects traveled from Nassau County to Suffolk County late at night or early in the morning, looking for unlocked vehicles in residential driveways, gym parking lots, hotels, and assisted living homes, prosecutors said. They reportedly used real estate apps to identify neighborhoods where people were more likely to leave cars unlocked or valuables inside.
Once they stole a vehicle or credit card, the suspects would quickly use the cards before the owners could report them stolen, often shopping at stores like Walmart and Target, prosecutors said.
They allegedly switched license plates on stolen cars to avoid detection and abandoned vehicles once they had newer ones.
Major Break in the Case
The investigation, launched in December 2023, involved surveillance footage, search warrants, and witness interviews.
During an August 2024 raid, police found a stash of stolen IDs, checkbooks, credit cards, and passports inside the home of Shawn Mullen, one of the alleged ringleaders, according to prosecutors. Another suspect, Zion Fenner, was allegedly found with two firearms, including one stolen from a Suffolk County vehicle in 2023.
Authorities also uncovered a separate bank fraud scheme, in which suspects allegedly phished for bank account access, changed addresses, and withdrew over $50,000 from victims’ accounts.
The Arrests
On Monday, March 3, police arrested nine of the 13 defendants, with some already in custody for unrelated offenses. One suspect, Rahmadon Cruz, remains at large.
Facing Grand Larceny & Burglary Charges (5-15 years in prison if Ccnvicted):
- Shawn Mullen, 24, Hempstead – 197 charges, allegedly stole 14 cars, found with stolen IDs, credit cards, and passports. Held on $1 million cash bail.
- Trevon Brandon-Douse, 26, Freeport – 79 charges, allegedly stole 4 cars. Held on $500K cash bail.
- Zion Fenner, 25, Freeport – 62 charges, allegedly stole 3 cars, found with stolen firearms. Held on $500K cash bail.
- Jaquan Wilson, 21, Hempstead – allegedly involved in multiple thefts. Held on $100K cash bail.
- Edwin Pierre, 25, Freeport – allegedly stole vehicles and credit cards. Released without bail.
- Damien Patrice, 27, Hempstead – currently in prison on unrelated charges.
- Jarell Lanier, 25, Freeport – currently in prison on unrelated charges.
- Jamal Woodside, 24, Freeport – currently in prison on unrelated charges.
Facing Fraud & Conspiracy Charges (Up to 4 years in prison if convicted):
- Kavon Wilson, 21, Hempstead – released without bail.
- Rahmadon Cruz, 28, Bronx – remains at large.
- Andrew Lawrence, 23, Hempstead – released without bail.
- Joshua Lee Garrett, 20, Bethpage – released without bail.
- Brianna Patterson, 32, Hempstead – released without bail.
Ongoing Investigation
More arrests could follow as investigations continue in Suffolk, Nassau, and beyond, police said.
Anyone with information on Rahmadon Cruz’s whereabouts is asked to contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.
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