CAMDEN, NJ – A sweeping indictment has charged 13 people accused of running a violent multistate car theft ring that prosecutors say stole or received more than 40 vehicles and was connected to the killing of a Philadelphia police officer.

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced Friday that brothers Alex Vargas, 27, of Camden, and Alexi Vargas, 24, of Pennsauken, allegedly led the operation, which targeted high-value vehicles across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and Delaware. The crew often hit dealerships and airport parking lots, stealing Jeep Grand Cherokees, Dodge Chargers, Dodge Durangos, and Ram trucks, officials said.

Prosecutors allege that once vehicles were stolen, the group reprogrammed keys, altered vehicle identification numbers, and created fraudulent registrati

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