LAKEVILLE —A detective with the Lakeville Police Department led a regional investigation that connected a series of vape shop break-ins throughout Massachusetts and neighboring states to an organized theft ring that allegedly used stolen vehicles to force entry into stores.
According to Lakeville Police Chief Matthew Perkins, Detective Robert Schiffer coordinated a multi-agency effort linking two break-ins at a vape shop at 12 Harding Street in Lakeville to a broader pattern of burglaries in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut.
Police said the first break-in occurred during the early morning hours of Dec. 5, 2025, when suspects used a stolen vehicle as a battering ram, crashing into the storefront, stealing thousands of dollars in merchandise and cash, and causing extensive damage to the business.
A second break-in on Dec. 13, 2025, involved similar methods and many of the same suspects, police said. In both incidents, stolen Hyundai and Kia vehicles were used to break into the stores.
Through an investigation that included surveillance footage review, intelligence sharing, and the execution of multiple search warrants, Detective Schiffer identified the suspects as part of an organized group responsible for repeated vape shop break-ins, often targeting multiple locations in a single night.
The investigation connected incidents in Lakeville, Taunton, Acton, Bellingham, Saugus, Oxford, Waltham, Revere, Burrillville and Johnston, Rhode Island, as well as East Hartford, Connecticut, among other locations. Police said they recovered multiple stolen vehicles, approximately $11,000 in stolen merchandise, and critical evidence linking the suspects to the break-ins.
As a result of the investigation, 19-year-old Jokari Fuquay-Rios of Chelsea was arraigned Jan. 29 in Wareham District Court and is being held without bail pending a pretrial conference hearing scheduled for Feb. 25. Chief Perkins said additional arrest warrants and criminal complaints have been sought for other suspects.
Throughout the investigation, Lakeville police worked closely with numerous local, state, and regional agencies including, Massachusetts State Police, the Department of Youth Services, and regional intelligence partners such as New England State Police Information Network, MACrimeNet, and the Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council.
“This investigation would not have been possible without regional cooperation and the dedication of motivated detectives who all wanted the same outcome,” Detective Schiffer said in a statement. “Everyone involved worked together, shared information, and stayed focused on holding those responsible accountable.”
The investigation remains active and additional charges are expected, Chief Perkins said. One suspect remains outstanding and is described by police as a Hispanic female, about five feet tall, believed to be from the Boston or Revere area.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Lakeville Police Department at (508) 947-4422.
