Jose Cesari, Leader of Northeast Beer Theft Ring, Sentenced to 63 Months in Prison for Stealing Corona and Modelo Beer

Jose Cesari, leader of the "Beer Theft Enterprise," was sentenced to 63 months in prison for masterminding a series of sophisticated beer thefts across the Northeast. His crew stole Corona and Modelo beer worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, selling it illegally in the Bronx. Read more about the case and its impact.

BRAZEN BEER BANDIT: One particularly revealing photo showed Cesari standing on top of a railcar filled with Corona beer while holding an angle grinder, a tool used to cut into the railcars.

Bronx Voice 

December 18, 2025

BRONX LOCAL NEWS - In a case that has captured nationwide attention, Jose Cesari, known as “Cry,” the leader of a sophisticated beer theft operation, was sentenced to 63 months (5 years and 3 months) in federal prison for his role in a large-scale conspiracy to steal beer from interstate shipments. 

Cesari’s criminal organization, dubbed the "Beer Theft Enterprise," targeted rail yards and beverage distribution centers throughout the Northeast, stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of Corona and Modelo beer, which was then sold illegally in New York. This case marks the end of a nearly two-year investigation into organized theft and serves as a stark warning against illegal activity targeting businesses in the Southern District of New York.

The Beer Theft Enterprise: A Criminal Operation in the Northeast

Between 2022 and 2024, Cesari led the Beer Theft Enterprise, a criminal group based in the Bronx, New York. This group specialized in stealing beer shipments, primarily from Mexico, which were intended for distribution across the United States. The Beer Theft Enterprise focused on high-value beers like Corona and Modelo, making them the primary targets of the operation.

Operating mostly at night, the thieves would travel from the Bronx to rail yards and beverage warehouses across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. They broke into railcars and distribution centers, often carrying out thefts using large trucks (such as U-Haul box trucks) to transport stolen beer back to New York. Once in the Bronx, the stolen goods would be sold on the black market.

"Jose Cesari and his crew carried out dozens of beer thefts, amassing hundreds of thousands of dollars in stolen goods," said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. "This sentence sends a clear message that organized theft will not be tolerated in the Southern District of New York.”

How Jose Cesari Built the Beer Theft Empire

Jose Cesari’s operation wasn’t just about stealing beer; it was a highly organized criminal network. As the leader, Cesari recruited members using his social media platforms, particularly Instagram. Through posts offering large sums of money and high-end equipment, Cesari lured in recruits with promises of fast cash. He advertised services like providing "police scanners" to avoid detection and bragged about the quick profits involved in beer theft.

One Instagram post from Cesari showcased him wearing a Corona t-shirt and making light of his criminal activities. "While some people got rich off of coronavirus, I got rich off of Coronas," he posted, referring to the stolen beer he was profiting from. His social media presence, including images of himself scaling railcars and holding power tools, gave authorities crucial evidence to build their case against him.

Cesari also played a key role in executing the thefts. He personally participated in over 36 beer heists, targeting multiple states in the process. His leadership extended beyond direct involvement; he coordinated the logistics, secured transportation, and managed the sale of the stolen goods.

The Impact on the Beverage Industry

The thefts carried out by Cesari and his crew caused significant financial damage to both railroads and beverage distributors. The total losses were estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Beyond the immediate financial loss, the Beer Theft Enterprise also posed a broader threat to the integrity of supply chains and distribution networks in the region.

Authorities revealed that, during some of the heists, the crew even carried firearms, heightening the danger of their criminal operations. These thefts not only put business operations at risk but also posed a safety hazard to workers in the affected warehouses and railyards.

Evidence Against Jose Cesari: From Social Media to Courtroom

In addition to the Instagram posts, law enforcement agencies recovered significant evidence from Cesari’s phone, including images of him actively participating in thefts. One particularly revealing photo showed Cesari standing on top of a railcar filled with Corona beer while holding an angle grinder, a tool used to cut into the railcars.

Investigators also uncovered social media exchanges in which Cesari openly advertised the profits from his beer theft operation. These posts provided clear proof of his involvement and leadership role in the criminal enterprise.

The Legal Outcome: Sentencing and Restitution

On top of the 63-month prison sentence, Cesari was ordered to forfeit $473,710.52 in proceeds derived from the stolen beer. Additionally, he was required to pay $518,710.52 in restitution to the affected businesses, a move designed to help compensate the victims of the Beer Theft Enterprise.

U.S. District Judge Edgardo Ramos, who presided over Cesari's sentencing, emphasized that the sentence was a necessary step in ensuring justice for the victims of this large-scale theft operation.

Law Enforcement's Role in the Investigation

The investigation into the Beer Theft Enterprise was the result of an outstanding collaborative effort between multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Port Authority Police Department, and the CSX Railroad Police Department. Their coordinated efforts ultimately led to Cesari's arrest and conviction.

"The tireless work of our law enforcement partners was crucial in dismantling this organized criminal group,"said U.S. Attorney Clayton. "We will continue to use all available resources to protect businesses from these types of illegal operations.”

Conclusion: A Warning to Would-Be Criminals

The sentencing of Jose Cesari serves as a powerful reminder to those who might consider engaging in criminal enterprises: organized theft, particularly theft of interstate shipments, will not be tolerated. With the help of social media evidence and dedicated investigative work, Cesari’s illegal beer operation was brought to an end, and justice was served.

As the case highlights, even seemingly "small" thefts—like stealing beer—can have significant impacts on businesses and communities. For those tempted to engage in similar criminal behavior, the message is clear: the law is watching, and the consequences of getting caught are severe.