SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Luis Jimenez-Mojica, 37, and Daniel Ortega, 26, were arrested in Scottsdale as part of an ongoing investigation into the South American Theft Group, which targets elderly shoppers.
The investigation began in May after a victim’s wallet was stolen while grocery shopping, with stolen credit cards quickly used to make over $4,000 in fraudulent electronics purchases. Police learned that Jimenez-Mojica and Ortega were involved in similar cases across the Valley.
Detectives discovered that the theft ring was responsible for at least five thefts and more than $10,000 in fraudulent charges in Scottsdale alone. Goodyear Police also linked three thefts on May 8 and June 7 to the pair, involving stolen purses and credit cards used for thousands of dollars in fraudulent purchases.
Surveillance and coordinated investigations revealed the group often targets elderly shoppers in grocery stores before fleeing to California.
Jimenez-Mojica and Ortega were arrested on August 6 and charged with theft-purse snatch, organized retail theft, fraudulent use of credit cards, aggravated identity theft, and illegal control of an enterprise. They are currently held in Maricopa County Jail.
This case underscores the importance of collaboration between local law enforcement agencies. The Scottsdale Police Department continues to work with other agencies to investigate additional potential crimes linked to the group.
Earlier arrests in 2024 connected to the South American Theft Group involved burglaries in high-end neighborhoods in Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Paradise Valley, with similar crimes reported in California, Oregon, and Washington.
