Federal prosecutors say conspirators scraped tracking systems, bribed workers for delivery information and targeted packages throughout New Jersey.
NEWARK, NJ – A New York man has admitted participating in an interstate network that stole more than $1.5 million in cell phones and other electronics, using shipment data to identify packages before runners intercepted them.
Raimond Cabrera De Leon, 33, pleaded guilty on July 16 before U.S. District Judge Jamel K. Semper in Newark to conspiracy to receive and transport stolen goods, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for New Jersey announced July 21.
Federal prosecutors described Cabrera De Leon as a major buyer, or fence, who operated from a Bronx residence and received electronics stolen from carriers including FedEx. Prosecutors said the wider network operated nationally and internationally.
According to the government, members used automated scripts to collect information from customer-facing shipment tracking systems. Conspirators also allegedly bribed employees of a major cellular provider to obtain customer names, addresses, order details and tracking numbers.
Dispatchers then sold the information to theft crews. Runners used it to locate and steal packages, after which the devices were moved through buyers such as Cabrera De Leon, prosecutors said.
The investigation grew out of a 2024 surge involving more than 400 identified package thefts of cellular devices in New Jersey, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The case has a direct Morris County connection. Agencies credited with assisting the investigation include police in Morristown, Dover, Roxbury, Montville, Parsippany, Denville, Chatham Township, Randolph and Riverdale, along with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and Morris County Sheriff’s Office.
Federal authorities also credited the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, New Jersey State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center North, FBI Newark, Homeland Security Investigations, New York City Police Department and numerous other local agencies.
The conspiracy charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the financial gain or loss from the offense. A sentencing date was not included in the government’s announcement.
The plea does not resolve every part of the larger investigation. The government’s account refers to other conspirators, dispatchers and runners but does not identify all participants or say whether additional charges are expected.
For residents, the case illustrates why an apparently accurate tracking number or delivery update should not be treated as proof that shipment information remains private. Customers awaiting high-value electronics can reduce exposure by requiring a signature, arranging pickup at a staffed carrier location and retrieving delivered packages promptly.