Jose Martinez-Aguilar Sentenced in Reno Retail Theft Scheme
A Reno man has been sentenced to more than four years in prison after pleading guilty to attempted participation in organized retail theft, the Washoe County District Attorney’s Office reported.
Jose Martinez-Aguilar, 53, operated Roberto’s on Virginia Street, which authorities say served as a fencing operation for stolen merchandise.
How the Scheme Worked
Detectives with the Regional Crime Suppression Unit (RCSU) and the Repeat Offender Program (ROP) learned that local thieves would steal from retailers along Virginia Street and sell the stolen goods to Martinez-Aguilar and his employees. Participating stores included Home Depot, JC Penney, and TJX Companies, which also assisted investigators by donating merchandise and providing surveillance resources.
Investigators used a confidential informant and undercover officer to sell donated merchandise at the taco shop, simulating stolen items, on six separate occasions. Martinez-Aguilar reportedly provided the undercover officer with shopping lists of items he wanted.
Evidence Collected
After executing search warrants on Martinez-Aguilar’s business and home, police recovered thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise, including items identified by loss prevention officers from 17 retailers. A cutting tool used to remove theft-prevention devices was also seized.
During sentencing, Chief Deputy District Attorney Matt Lee emphasized the community impact of the crime, noting the widespread effect on local businesses and retailers.
Martinez-Aguilar’s case underscores ongoing law enforcement efforts to combat organized retail theft in Washoe County.
