SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney has announced that two organized theft rings and 16 defendants have been charged in connection with the large-scale theft of donated clothing from charitable collection bins across Suffolk County. The long-term investigation uncovered more than 70 theft incidents between November 2024 and September 2025, involving an estimated half-million pounds of stolen clothing valued at nearly $200,000.
The two alleged ringleaders, Alfredo Perez, 67, of Copiague, and Manuel Cabrera, 62, of Lindenhurst, each operated separate criminal networks that systematically raided donation bins belonging to local and international charities, including the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Together, their operations allegedly turned charitable donations for the poor and homeless into personal profit.
Coordinated Law Enforcement Effort
This investigation identified 16 individuals involved in a massive burglary and theft operation targeting donations meant for those in need,” said District Attorney Tierney. “These defendants stole more than half a million pounds of donated clothing for personal gain. Suffolk County will not tolerate the exploitation of charity, and we will prosecute these crimes to the fullest extent of the law.”
Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. added that the investigation dismantled a coordinated criminal enterprise that preyed on goodwill. “By targeting donation bins, these thieves stole not just from charities but from the most vulnerable residents of our communities.”
Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina noted that donation bins exist as symbols of generosity. “These criminals exploited that generosity for profit,” Catalina said. “This case shows the power of collaboration in uncovering and stopping organized criminal activity.”
U.S. Secret Service Resident Agent in Charge Steven Choma emphasized the agency’s support of local law enforcement. “This investigation reflects the partnership and coordination needed to stop fraud schemes that affect the entire Long Island community.”
Alleged Theft Operations
According to prosecutors, both Perez and Cabrera managed networks of “runners” who drove Ford Econoline vans throughout Suffolk County during overnight hours, stopping at dozens of charity bins per route. Crew members would allegedly climb into bins through the donation port, hand out bags of clothing, and load them into waiting vans.
- Perez’s crew allegedly stole over 285,000 pounds of clothing, later sold to a used-clothing export business in Nassau County for payments exceeding $100,000.
- Cabrera’s crew allegedly stole an additional 280,000 pounds, selling the goods to the same exporter for more than $90,000.
Investigators seized 14 vehicles used in the thefts and recovered approximately 25,000 pounds of stolen clothing during the investigation.
Additional Defendants
While investigating Perez and Cabrera, detectives also identified seven other individuals allegedly operating independently to steal from donation bins across Suffolk County.
Those defendants include:
Elix Castillo Ramos, Emerson Castillo Ramos, Jaime Vallejos Saenz, Yuri Palomino Yllisca, Yunior Ipinasuchite, Alexi Zelaya Cruz, and Denis Sarmiento Vincente.
These individuals allegedly aided accomplices in physically climbing inside bins, removing bags of donated clothing, and fleeing in getaway vehicles.
Legal Proceedings
All 16 defendants face a combined 98 felony charges including Grand Larceny, Burglary, and Conspiracy.
Perez and Cabrera were each charged with Grand Larceny in the Second Degree and multiple counts of Burglary in the Third Degree. Several defendants remain in custody, while others were released under supervised conditions or on their own recognizance in accordance with New York State bail laws.
The case was investigated by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Suffolk County Police Department, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Secret Service Long Island Resident Office.
Key Facts and Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Operation Period | November 2024 – September 2025 |
| Total Defendants | 16 |
| Total Charges | 98 Felony Counts |
| Ringleaders | Alfredo Perez (67, Copiague), Manuel Cabrera (62, Lindenhurst) |
| Stolen Goods | Over 500,000 pounds of donated clothing |
| Recovered Property | Approx. 25,000 pounds of stolen goods, 14 vehicles seized |
| Estimated Value | Nearly $200,000 |
| Primary Victim | Society of St. Vincent de Paul and other charities |
| Lead Agencies | Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, SCPD, Suffolk Sheriff, U.S. Secret Service |
