Two NYC Men Indicted in Suffolk County Jet Ski and Boat Thefts

Suffolk County prosecutors announced indictments March 2, 2026 charging two New York City men in a series of thefts that left waterfront homeowners in Lindenhurst, Oakdale, West Islip, Bay Shore and East Islip missing multiple personal watercraft and trailers. The indictments name Willis Estrella Genao, 28, of Brooklyn, and Carlos Torres Rodriguez, 27, of Howard Beach.

Prosecutors say the pair are tied to five Suffolk County incidents between Oct. 30 and Dec. 10, 2024 in which four jet skis and one boat were taken. On Oct. 30, 2024 a 2020 Yamaha GP1800R SVHO and trailer were reported stolen from the driveway of a Lindenhurst home. On Nov. 26, 2024 a 2022 Yamaha SHO, a 2018 Yamaha FX Cruiser and a trailer were taken from the backyard of an Oakdale residence. On Nov. 30, 2024 a 2021 Yamaha GP1800R and trailer were stolen from the side yard of a West Islip home. On Dec. 3, 2024 a 2025 Yamaha boat and trailer were reported stolen from the parking lot of Spencer Leasing in Bay Shore. On Dec. 10, 2024 a 2019 Sea-Doo GTX Limited and trailer were taken from the driveway of an East Islip home.

Genao was arraigned February 11 before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski on one count of grand larceny in the second degree, a Class C felony, and five counts of grand larceny in the third degree, Class D felonies. He was released on his own recognizance because the charges are considered non-bail eligible under current New York law, and faces up to 5 to 15 years in prison if convicted on the top count. Patch and Shore News reporting indicate Genao is due back in court March 26; outlets state Rodriguez faces indictments as well though identical arraignment specifics for Rodriguez were not detailed in every report.

Authorities said Nassau County police arrested Genao and Rodriguez on January 16, 2025 in connection with similar watercraft thefts in Nassau County, and investigators later linked them to the Suffolk County incidents. Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney said, “These defendants, both of whom live in the city, allegedly drove out to Suffolk County to prey on our residents by brazenly stealing property right from victims' driveways and backyards.” Prosecutors describe a pattern of overnight thefts targeting South Shore properties; legal proceedings in Suffolk County remain ongoing.