A large-scale retail theft operation, spanning from Michigan to Utah, resulted in the arrest of twelve individuals, including illegal immigrants living in Chicago. The suspects are accused of stealing over $100,000 in clothing, which was allegedly to be shipped to Mexico.
The arrested individuals, including Aylin Guadalupe Vargas-Pena, 26, Mario Peralta-Tlilayatzi, 27, and others, face charges of retail theft, theft/receiving stolen property, unlawful activity patterns, and possession of burglary tools. The theft ring reportedly used metal-lined backpacks to avoid security sensors and was linked to numerous stores like American Eagle, Michael Kors, and Victoria’s Secret.
The operation unraveled after an officer from Orem, Utah, recognized a suspect in connection to a previous theft at Al’s Sporting Goods. Following this, a coordinated investigation led authorities to a home in Orem, where they found large quantities of stolen goods and specialized equipment for stealing merchandise.
Detectives discovered several boxes of clothing with tags still attached, magnets, and other tools to remove security sensors. Shipping labels also indicated the stolen items were being sent to Laredo, Texas, destined for delivery to Mexico.
The investigation continues with involvement from local and federal agencies.
