Suffolk County investigators arrested and charged 16 people accused of systematically stealing hundreds of thousands of pounds of donated clothes from charity bins across the county.

Surveillance video shows some suspects climbing into the bins through the donation slot to steal the clothes.

Investigators say 500,000 pounds of clothing were stolen and sold to someone who exports used clothing.

Investigators seized 14 vehicles that were used to carry out the alleged pattern of thefts and recovered an estimated 25,000 pounds of stolen clothing.

"Ninety-eight felonies for stealing from the poor. How do you do that?" says Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine.

"These individuals stole from our most needy individuals in our society," says Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney.

The crews targeted bins placed by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, among others, authorities said.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul wasn't able to comment. There were 70 incidents between November 2024 and September 2025. Investigators say the clothing that was taken out of bins is worth nearly $200,000.

The investigation identified two separate criminal operations. One allegedly led by Alfredo Perez, 67, of Copiague. The other allegedly led by Manuel Cabrera, 62, of Lindenhurst.

But people who have dropped off clothes in the bins say it's shocking. "People are giving with the right intention that their clothes are going to people that need them," says Deer Park resident Joanne Becker. "It's awful. It's astounding." "It's scary and crazy that it's happening," says Deer Park resident Linsey Ulrich.