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Prosecutors in New York have charged 14 people with operating a massive “porch pirate” crime ring. The indictment claims the suspects “systematically” stole high-value packages from the doorsteps of homes using “insider knowledge” from within FedEx.
The group allegedly stole hundreds of packages from Long Island residents from October 2023 to February 2025. They are accused of using data including tracking numbers, recipient names, package contents, and delivery schedules to swipe the packages within minutes of them being delivered.
The 14 defendants face 50 felony charges for allegedly stealing FedEx packages containing cellphones and electronic devices throughout Suffolk County. The criminal enterprise allegedly operated from two locations in the Bronx.
“For two years, this alleged porch pirate ring plagued our community and built a criminal enterprise on the backs of Suffolk families and businesses,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney. “These indictments demonstrate that we will track down and hold accountable those who commit crimes against Suffolk County residents, regardless of how extensive their operation.”
The alleged ringleader of the ‘porch pirate’ operation faces up to 25 years in prison
Andricson Jerez, 29, of the Bronx, was named as the ringleader of the “porch pirate” crime ring. According to the indictment, packages were taken from businesses and homes in 31 different New York towns.
“Jerez allegedly employed a network of ‘runners’ who were provided with insider FedEx tracking information, including recipient names, addresses, device types, and tracking numbers from shipments from Verizon and AT&T destined for Suffolk County,” read a statement from Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.
How the ‘porch pirate’ crime ring allegedly operated
“The runners allegedly stole packages from residences and businesses and delivered the stolen devices, predominately cellphones, to Jerez at a ‘fencing location’ at 2227 University Avenue in the Bronx. Jerez would then allegedly confirm the stolen items through encrypted messages containing device identification numbers and photos. The stolen devices were then transported in garbage bags to a ‘stash house’ at 2112 Quimby Avenue in the Bronx, where Jerez allegedly sold them in bulk to wholesalers who redistributed them domestically and internationally.”
The suspects used a wide variety of tools and methods to conduct their operation. In one instance, prosecutors claim a suspect “violently pushed a FedEx driver to the ground at a Hauppauge business and stole a package containing 15 Samsung tablets.” In another, one of the suspects “allegedly forcibly stole a package from a Suffolk County resident shortly after delivery.”
They also are accused of using fake identifications and an IMEI scanner. An IMEI scanner is legitimate business tool. Usually, it is a mobile app that captures a device’s unique International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number by reading its barcode. It can also be used by criminals to clone devices and for identity theft.
FedEx said in a statement on Monday that it will “continue to work with law enforcement to pursue bad actors who attempt to misuse customer information.”
“With bad actors growing increasingly sophisticated, the shipping industry has been proactively working with law enforcement to address the rise of porch piracy,” the company continued. “We constantly adapt our processes and use innovative technologies to protect drivers and packages.”