Police make several arrests, uncover large car theft ring involving Brockton, Fall River, Quincy, 63 vehicles

Brockton and Massachusetts State Police led a joint investigation into a large car theft ring.

Operation Hellcat is a year-long effort involving over 36 law enforcement agencies. They identified targets linked to high-end car thefts totaling over $2.6 million, uncovering 63 stolen vehicles. Detectives filed multiple theft charges and secured arrest warrants during the operation, with more charges likely pending cell phone data analysis.

On Wednesday, they executed search warrants at 11 residences and a garage, with the operation taking place Thursday.

The investigation revealed a pattern of thefts from June 16, 2023, to November 2024, typically involving groups of two to ten individuals hitting car dealerships between 2 AM and 4 AM. They used Autel Devices to create functional key fobs, breaking into cars and programming new keys in minutes. Each theft involved several roles: a driver, a lookout, and those using the key programmer to steal the vehicles.

Eight vehicles were stolen simultaneously in Quincy, suggesting at least eight participants in the conspiracy. Investigators have identified “Operation Hellcat” group members using Autel Devices and key programming tools requiring user authentication. They also used cellular data, surveillance footage, social media posts, and confessions to track participants.

IP addresses linked to the group were obtained from Autel Devices, banks, and iCloud records. Subpoenas were issued for subscriber information, confirming that Autel and mobile devices connected to specific residences associated with the targets.

Several locations were identified for searches, leading to the seizure of firearms, Autel devices, and other items.

At Leyden Park Road in Brockton, linked to James Senat, investigators found a firearm with large-capacity magazines, identified as the one in videos he posted on social media. They also seized an Autel device, key fobs, and a suspected stolen vehicle license plate. Senat was arraigned on charges of machine gun possession and vehicle theft, with a total bail set at $100,000.

Investigators found items linked to Nelson Pires of Brockton, including a Dodge Durango Hellcat key fob and paperwork for an Autel device possibly related to one previously seized in Connecticut. Pires was arraigned for car thefts and possession of burglary tools, with bail set at $50,000.

At Forest Avenue, items associated with Jason Brito included two firearms (a Kimber MFG and a Glock, both loaded), gun parts, 18 spent shell casings, live ammo, and a license plate from a stolen vehicle. His bail was also set at $50,000.

At Carl Avenue, Kevin DeGraca was found with an Anderson AM-15 rifle, large capacity magazines, armor-piercing rounds, and a high-value Dodge supercharger. He was on probation and held for a violation, with bail set at $50,000.

At Colonel Bell Drive, Jalen Clarke-Cox had multiple key fobs, clothing from surveillance footage of vehicle thefts, and an antique firearm. His bail was set at $5,000.

Investigators found Autel device parts linked to Andy Gomes on Waverly Street, Brockton. He faces charges for possession of burglarious tools and has a pending warrant for unarmed robbery and larceny over $1,200.

Jaydin Rodrigues is connected to a motor vehicle theft on Washburn Avenue and has turned himself in for arraignment.

On Rockland Street, police found items linked to Micaiah Taylor, who remains wanted.

Items associated with Andrick and Paulo Semedo were seized on Highland Street. They took Paulo into custody after we discovered a Glock 43 with his ID, and his bail is set at $1,000. Andrick already has a revoked bail set at $50,000 for other charges.

A stolen Hellcat connected to Operation Hellcat was found on Suffolk Street, Fall River.

The joint investigation team arrested Derek Gaillot for multiple vehicle thefts; his bail is $5,000.

Claudio Medina surrendered to Dudley District Court with a $5,000 bail; Detectives are still looking for suspect Paulo Frederico, who remains at large.

Brockton Police Chief Brenda Perez commended Brockton Police Detective Ryan Quirk and MSP Trooper Steven Grasso, who led the investigations. She also credits our detective and patrol divisions and the more than three dozen agencies who assisted us in this huge endeavor.

“This operation highlights the importance of teamwork and collaboration between local, state, and federal partners in defeating organized crime and keeping our communities safe,” said Chief Perez.