BRISTOL, Conn. — Two Massachusetts men charged in a break-in at a Bristol used car dealer have been arrested in their home state in connection with what officials are calling a $2.6 million car theft ring.
On December 8, Nelshon Pires, 19, and Paulo Semedo, 58, both of Brockton, were charged with possession of burglary tools after police were called to Blasius of Bristol for a report of suspicious activity. The pair were released on bond and expected to appear in court on Dec. 23.
Several days later, Pires and Semedo, along with 10 others were arrested in Massachusetts as a result of a year long investigation into high end car thefts totaling $2.6 million. Investigators, who dubbed the investigation "Operation Hellcat," said the group operated from June 2023 to December, and is believed to be involved in thefts in several states. Hellcat refers to a powerful V-8 engine in Dodge Chargers and Challengers.
"The group allegedly used Autel programming devices that allow users to take a blank key fob and create a fully functioning key for the vehicle. After breaking into the vehicles, the suspects connected the Autel device into the vehicle, allowing them to create a new key fob within minutes," said Massachusetts officials in a press release.
Officials said several suspects had ordered firearm parts including selector switches, which are conversion devices that are designed for the sole purpose of converting semi-automatic Glock style firearms into fully automatic machine guns, online.
Arrested in Massachusetts were:
- James Senat, 19, of Brockton
- Possession of a machine gun, possession of a large capacity feeding device (2 counts), possession of a firearm without a License To Carry (LTC), possession of ammunition without a LTC, breaking and entering a motor vehicle at night (4 counts), receiving a stolen motor vehicle
Bail: $100,000
- Andrick Semedo, 20, of Brockton
- Possession of ammunition without a LTC
- Andrick Semedo also has a warrant out of Fall River District Court for breaking and entering and motor vehicle at night (2 counts) and receiving a stolen motor vehicle (3 counts)
- Bail: $50,000
Bail was revoked on previous charges related to receiving a stolen motor vehicle, disturbing the peace, and disorderly conduct.
- Paulo Semedo, 58, of Brockton
- Possession of a firearm without a LTC
Bail: $1,000
- Kevin DaGraca, 18, of Brockton
- Possession of a large capacity feeding device (2 counts), possession of a firearm capable of accepting a large capacity feeding device, possession of ammunition without a LTC
Bail: $50,000
- Jason Brito, 20, of Brockton
- Possession of a firearm without a LTC (2 counts), possession of ammunition without a LTC, possession of burglarious tools
- Brito also has warrants out of Natick District Court for breaking and entering a motor vehicle at night and conspiracy
Bail: $50,000
- Nelshon Pires, 19, of Brockton
- Possession of burglarious tools and receiving a stolen motor vehicle (3 counts)
- Bail: $50,000
Bail was revoked on previous charges related to receiving a stolen motor vehicle, receiving stolen property under $1,200, and possession of burglarious tools
- Jalen Clarke-Cox, 19, of Brockton
- Breaking and entering a motor vehicle at night (4 counts), receiving stolen property under $1,200, receiving stolen motor vehicle, possession of burglarious tools
Bail: $5,000
- Derek Gaillot, 18, of Brockton
- Receiving a stolen motor vehicle (3 counts)
Bail: $5,000
- Claudio Medina, 20, of Brockton
- Dudley District Court: Breaking and entering a motor vehicle at night, larceny over $1,200
- Medina also has three open matters related to this investigation out of Fall River District Court and Brockton District Court
Bail: $5,000
- Jaydin Rodrigues, 20, of Brockton
- Fall River District Court: Receiving a stolen motor vehicle
Released on his own recognizance
- Andy Gomes, 23, of Brockton
- Possession of burglarious tools (to be charged at a later date)
Gomes was arrested on a warrant out of Stoughton District Court for unarmed robbery and larceny over $1,200
- Micaiah Taylor, 21, of North Easton
- Receiving a stolen motor vehicle (3 counts)
Bail: $5,000
Doug Stewart is the Digital Executive Producer at FOX61 News. He also produces "Car-Pionated" on FOX61+ and YouTube. He can be reached at dstewart@fox61.com.
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