NYC Duo Charged in String of Luxury Boat and Jet Ski Thefts on Long Island

Willis Estrella Genao and Carlos Torres Rodriguez accused of stealing watercraft from homes across multiple South Shore communities

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A New York City duo has been charged with stealing a fleet of luxury jet skis and a boat during a string of brazen, overnight thefts at homes across Long Island's South Shore communities. Willis Estrella Genao, 28, and Carlos Torres Rodriguez, 27, are accused of targeting waterfront neighborhoods and making off with thousands of dollars worth of property by hooking up entire trailers and towing them away in the middle of the night.

Why it matters

The alleged crime spree highlights the vulnerability of waterfront homeowners to sophisticated theft operations targeting high-value recreational vehicles. The case also raises questions about bail reform policies, as the charges against the suspects are considered non-bail eligible under state law.

The details

According to prosecutors, Genao and Rodriguez would allegedly cruise into quiet, well-off communities on Long Island and steal jet skis, boats, and trailers directly from victims' driveways and backyards. The pair is accused of hitting multiple locations across Lindenhurst, Oakdale, West Islip, Bay Shore and East Islip, making off with four jet skis and an entire boat in a series of brazen overnight thefts between October 2025 and January 2026.

  • On October 30, the duo allegedly stole a luxury jet ski from a Lindenhurst driveway.
  • In late November, they allegedly took two jet skis and a trailer from an Oakdale backyard.
  • In the following weeks, they allegedly stole an entire boat from a commercial parking lot in Bay Shore.
  • Days later, another jet ski was stolen in East Islip.

The players

Willis Estrella Genao

A 28-year-old Brooklyn resident who has been charged with five counts of theft of a personal watercraft.

Carlos Torres Rodriguez

A 27-year-old Howard Beach resident who has been charged with five counts of theft of a personal watercraft.

Ray Tierney

The Suffolk County District Attorney who announced the charges against Genao and Rodriguez.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Ray Tierney, Suffolk County District Attorney

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Genao and Rodriguez to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing problem of sophisticated theft operations targeting high-value recreational vehicles in waterfront communities, raising concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of bail reform policies in addressing repeat offenders.