ELIZABETH, N.J. (AP) - A New Jersey man has pleaded guilty to helping to run an international carjacking and stolen car trafficking ring that stole high-end cars in the New York area to ship to West Africa.
Thirty-year-old Kyle Champagnie, of Irvington, pleaded guilty Friday in court in Elizabeth.
Attorney General Christopher Porrino says Champagnie was a top member of the dangerous ring that stole cars, including through carjackings in New Jersey and New York.
The ring targeted high-end cars, including Land Rover, Mercedes Benz and BMW SUVs. They often bumped vehicles from behind and then stole the cars when the drivers got out. More than 150 cars were recovered, including 140 at ports in New Jersey and New York.
The state will recommend he be sentenced to 16 years in prison as part of the plea deal.
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