Multiple Jet Skis, Boat Stolen Across Suffolk County; 2 NYC Men Indicted: DA

ISLIP, NY — Two New York City men have been indicted in connection with what prosecutors said was a months-long spree targeting jet skis and a boat across multiple Suffolk County communities.

According to Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney, Willis Estrella Genao, 28, of Brooklyn, and Carlos Torres Rodriguez, 27, of Howard Beach, have been charged in a series of thefts involving personal watercraft taken from residential properties and a commercial lot in the fall of 2024.

Prosecutors said the thefts occurred in Lindenhurst, Oakdale, West Islip, Bay Shore, and East Islip between October and December 2024.

On Oct. 30, 2024, a 2020 Yamaha GP1800R SVHO and trailer were reported stolen from the driveway of a Lindenhurst home, prosecutors said. On Nov. 26, 2024, a 2022 Yamaha SHO, a 2018 Yamaha FX Cruiser, and a trailer were taken from the backyard of a home in Oakdale, the DA said.

On Nov. 30, 2024, a 2021 Yamaha GP1800R and trailer were stolen from the side yard of a West Islip residence, prosecutors said. 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, according to the DA’s office.

Authorities said the investigation later connected the two men to similar watercraft thefts in Nassau County. On Jan. 16, 2025, Nassau County police arrested Genao and Rodriguez in connection with those incidents. After further investigation, law enforcement linked them to the Suffolk County cases, prosecutors said.

Genao was arraigned on Feb. 11, before acting Supreme Court Justice Steven Pilewski on one count of second-degree grand larceny, a Class C felony, and five counts of third-degree grand larceny, Class D felonies, prosecutors said.

Rodriguez was arraigned Monday, March 2, before Justice Pilewski on one count of third-degree grand larceny, a Class D felony, according to the DA’s office.

Justice Pilewski ordered both men released on their own recognizance during the pendency of the case because the charges are considered non-bail eligible under current New York State law, meaning prosecutors cannot ask for, and judges cannot set bail, the DA’s office said.

If convicted of the top count, Genao faces up to 5 to 15 years in prison, prosecutors said. Rodriguez faces up to 2 1⁄3 to 7 years in prison if convicted of his top charge.

Genao is represented by Brandon Abbatiello, and Rodriguez is represented by Pierre Bazille, who both did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

“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,” Tierney said. “This indictment demonstrates our commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to crack down on theft in Suffolk County.”