"Beer Theft Enterprise" Members Arrested

Eight men face charges after allegedly stealing hefty values of beer from Northeast rail yards and storage facilities.

• Heist Duration: July 2022 - March 2024
• Targeted Brews: Primarily Corona and Modelo from Mexico
• Costly Capers: Companies bled hundreds of thousands in losses

Under the name "Beer Theft Enterprise," the group crept into rail yards, cut locks and fences, and loaded a U-Haul with cases of stolen beer to sell in the Bronx. Members were paid "hundreds of dollars" for participating in the heists.

27-year-old Jose Cesari (AKA "Cry"), the alleged ringleader, purportedly reeled in recruits via Instagram, even offering a $100K monthly promise for joining his "beer train method." The group had roles, from drivers to lookouts, using police scanners and social media to stay ahead of the law.

• Cesari was charged with "conspiracy to steal from interstate or foreign shipments." He also faces several charges related to theft, and using or carrying a firearm.
• The other seven were also charged with conspiracy and other charges.

Source: USA Today