A significant operation led by the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office, in collaboration with the Massachusetts State Police and Brockton Police Department, resulted in the arrest and arraignment of 12 individuals linked to a high-end car theft ring. The operation, known as "Operation Hellcat," involved search warrants executed at multiple locations across Brockton, Fall River, and North Easton.
The investigation uncovered evidence such as firearms, ammunition, key fobs, and programming devices used in the alleged thefts. Authorities identified a pattern of conduct starting from June 2023 involving groups coordinating vehicle thefts using Autel programming devices to create new key fobs quickly.
Twelve suspects were arrested and arraigned in various district courts. Among them was James Senat of Brockton, charged with possession of a machine gun and other offenses; Andrick Semedo faced charges related to ammunition possession without a license; Paulo Semedo was charged with firearm possession without a license; Kevin DaGraca faced charges related to large capacity feeding devices; Jason Brito was charged with firearm possession without a license; Nelshon Pires faced charges for possessing burglarious tools; Jalen Clarke-Cox was charged with breaking into motor vehicles; Derek Gaillot faced charges for receiving stolen vehicles; Claudio Medina had multiple open matters related to this investigation; Jaydin Rodrigues was released on his own recognizance after being charged with receiving stolen vehicles; Andy Gomes is set to be charged later for possessing burglarious tools; Micaiah Taylor faced charges for receiving stolen vehicles.
Assistant Attorney General Diana Fantasia led the case alongside Intelligence Analyst Jill Bodreau and Financial Investigator Sean Nagle. The operation involved collaboration among 38 local and federal law enforcement agencies.
"All of these charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty."