2 Philadelphia-area Men Stole 46 Vehicles and Got Just 39 Months in Prison

Philadelphia, PA — Two men from and around Philadelphia have received relatively short prison sentences for stealing nearly 40 vehicles from rental companies, dealerships, and other businesses.

31-year-old Tariq Bennett of Philadelphia has been sentenced to 39 months in prison, three years of supervised release, $502,070 in restitution, and a $2,600 special assessment.

37-year-old Syheed Goodman of Upper Darby, PA, was sentenced to 39 months, three years of supervised release, $939,295 in restitution, and a special assessment of $2,700.

The defendants were charged by superseding indictment in June 2024 and pleaded guilty last year to more than two dozen counts apiece, including conspiracy, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and transportation of a stolen vehicle.

• MORE NEWS: Big Fan of Buc-ee's, 3 Friends Wanted in Wildwood, NJ, Theft Investigation

According to federal authorities, from at least October 2021 through October 2023, Bennett, Goodman, and a third co-conspirator engaged in a conspiracy to steal dozens of vehicles.

To effectuate the scheme, the defendants test-drove, rented, and/or fraudulently purchased the vehicles. They then failed to return the vehicles they had rented or taken for test drives, or failed to make any payments for the vehicles they had fraudulently purchased.

As part of the conspiracy to obtain the vehicles, officials said they presented fabricated driver's licenses, and then they sold the vehicles and equipment to other individuals.

In all, the defendants stole at least 46 vehicles from businesses in and around Pennsylvania.

This case was investigated by the FBI Philadelphia Organized Crime Task Force, Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Abington, Bensalem Township, Plymouth Township, and Springfield Township Police Departments.

Chris Coleman is a South Jersey native and has been a cornerstone of the Atlantic City radio market since 1998. He serves as Brand Manager for WPG Talk Radio 95.5 and afternoon on-air personality for Cat Country 107.3. A five-time President's Circle award winner and Townsquare Media's 2024 Content Creator of the Year, Chris covers news, events, and stories of interest across Southern New Jersey. Story tips: chris.coleman@townsquaremedia.com