A shocking theft ring involving 16 individuals, eight of whom are illegal immigrants, has been dismantled in Suffolk County, Long Island, after systematically looting over 500,000 pounds of clothing from donation bins operated by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Long Island. The year-long operation, uncovered this week, inflicted a staggering $750,000 loss on the Catholic charity, depriving vulnerable residents of essential resources and sparking outrage over the involvement of undocumented individuals.
A Coordinated Heist Targeting Charity
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a cornerstone of aid for Long Island’s homeless and low-income families, relies on community donations of clothing, food, and household goods to fund its programs. Between November 2024 and September 2025, two organized crews targeted at least 70 of the charity’s donation bins across Suffolk County, emptying them of clothing intended for those in need. The stolen goods, valued at $200,000 on the open market, were sold to exporters for over $90,000 in cash, with the total financial impact on the charity reaching $750,000 due to lost revenue and diminished donations.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney described the operation as a calculated assault on community generosity. “These individuals, many of whom are here illegally, exploited the goodwill of Suffolk County residents to line their own pockets,” Tierney said at a press conference on October 8. The thefts not only stripped the charity of resources but also eroded public trust, as empty bins discouraged donors from contributing.
The Culprits: Illegal Immigrants and Organized Crime
The two theft rings operated with chilling efficiency. The first, led by Alfredo Perez, 51, of Copiague, employed runners like Kevin Molina, Alexander Quinteros, Omar Rosasaravia, Luis Castillo Ramos, and two juveniles, who worked overnight routes to raid bins. The second crew, headed by Manuel Cabrera, 40, of Lindenhurst, included illegal immigrants such as Elix Castillo Ramos, Emerson Castillo Ramos, Jaime Vallejos Saenz, Yuri Palomino Yllisca, Yunior Ipinasuchite, Alexi Zelaya Cruz, and Denis Sarmiento Vincente. Surveillance footage captured suspects, many of whom are undocumented, diving headfirst into bins to grab every last garment, with accomplices loading the haul into vehicles.
Eight of the 16 arrestees are confirmed illegal immigrants, primarily from Central American countries like Honduras. Elix Castillo Ramos, a 36-year-old Honduran national, faces burglary charges alongside others in the group. The involvement of undocumented individuals has ignited fierce debate, with local leaders and residents expressing frustration over lax immigration enforcement. “This is what happens when our borders aren’t secure,” said one Deer Park resident, echoing sentiments shared across community forums. Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine called the scheme “a disgrace,” emphasizing its impact on the region’s most vulnerable.
The crews sold the stolen clothing—approximately 280,000 pounds—to exporters, turning acts of charity into a black-market enterprise. Authorities seized 14 vehicles and recovered 25,000 pounds of clothing during the busts, but the damage to the charity’s operations runs deep.
Devastating Impact and Community Response
The thefts crippled St. Vincent de Paul’s ability to serve Long Island’s needy, with donation volumes plummeting as bins were repeatedly emptied. “We couldn’t understand why our bins were coming up empty,” said CEO Tom Abbate. “This betrayal hurts everyone who relies on us.” The charity’s $750,000 loss includes not only the value of stolen goods but also costs for sorting, processing, and the ripple effect of reduced donations.
Since the arrests, however, Long Islanders have rallied, boosting clothing donations by 50%. “The community’s response shows our strength,” Abbate said. The charity is now exploring anti-theft measures, including smaller bin openings, reinforced locks, and surveillance cameras. Other nonprofits, like Big Brothers Big Sisters, report similar vulnerabilities, with unmonitored bins and fake donation boxes plaguing the region.
Legal Fallout and Broader Implications
The 16 defendants face 98 felony counts, including grand larceny, third-degree burglary, and conspiracy, with court dates set as early as October 16. A 17th suspect, currently in ICE custody, awaits additional charges. Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina stressed that the investigation prioritized stopping the thefts, but the immigration status of half the defendants has amplified calls for stricter border policies.
The scandal highlights a broader issue: the vulnerability of charitable infrastructure. Unsecured donation bins, often placed in accessible public spaces, are easy targets for organized crime. As Long Island navigates economic challenges, the loss of resources for the needy feels especially acute. State officials are now exploring funding for bin security to protect future donations.
