St. Vincent de Paul responds to clothing bin thefts in Suffolk, vows continued service

In the wake of the arrests of 16 people accused of systematically stealing from charitable clothing donation bins across Suffolk County, St. Vincent de Paul of Long Island (SVDPLI) has issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to transparency and its mission to serve those in need.

The organization, which operates numerous clothing donation bins throughout Long Island, was among the nonprofits targeted in what prosecutors described as a nearly year-long theft operation that netted two separate thievery rings more than half a million pounds of donated clothing valued at nearly $200,000, police said.

In a letter to supporters on Thursday, SVDPLI CEO and Executive Director Tom Abbate acknowledged the “widespread issue affecting nonprofit organizations” and assured donors that the organization has been working actively with local law enforcement to address the problem.

“Please know that SVDPLI does not tolerate or ignore theft or misuse of donations,” Abbate wrote.

SVDPLI’s programs include providing clothing, food, housing assistance and other critical support to individuals and families struggling with poverty and homelessness.

Announcing the arrests on Wednesday, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said two organized groups led by Alfredo Perez of Copiague and Manuel Cabrera of Lindenhurst conducted the systematic thefts from November 2024 through September 2025.

The crews operated overnight, sending accomplices through the small donation ports to pass bags of clothing to waiting vehicles.

The stolen items were then sold to exporters for profit, with one group receiving more than $100,000 and the other collecting over $90,000, prosecutors said.

Authorities seized 14 vehicles connected to the theft rings and recovered approximately 25,000 pounds of stolen donations during the investigation.

“We will continue to work with law enforcement to ensure that your contributions reach those who truly need them,” Abbate stated in the letter.

“We are deeply grateful to you — our donors, volunteers, and community partners — whose generosity makes our mission possible,” the letter stated. “Your trust means everything to us. Despite these challenges, our work continues stronger than ever, and your ongoing support allows us to bring hope and help to our neighbors each day.”

For donors who contribute to SVDPLI’s clothing bins, the organization’s message is clear: their generosity remains valued and essential, and steps are being taken to protect future donations from similar criminal enterprises.