PHOENIX, Ariz. — Seven alleged members of a South American Theft Group (SATG) from Colombia were arrested Friday in connection with two residential burglaries in the Phoenix area, according to Scottsdale police.
Authorities say the group targeted homes in Tempe and Mesa on May 23, coordinating both crimes over the course of the day.
All seven suspects were arrested at a short-term rental where they had been staying. Their arrests followed days of surveillance by Arizona authorities, who had been tipped off by police in Burbank, California.
The Burbank Police Department had warned Scottsdale police on May 20 about a group suspected of burglaries in California, Oregon, and Washington, and believed to be headed to Arizona.
Among the property stolen in California was a French Bulldog, which police say has since been recovered and will be returned to its owner.
Arizona authorities were given the group’s vehicle details and other intelligence, allowing detectives to track them to the Phoenix-area rental.
From May 20 to May 22, police observed the suspects and followed them to two homes that were later burglarized on May 23.
“They observed all seven suspects coordinate and participate in burglary activity at both locations,” Scottsdale Police said in a statement.
The suspects have been identified as:
Nicolas Rojas Leon, 23
Joan Sebastian Orozco-Vargas, 26
Andres David Sanchez-Novoa, 38
Natalia Isabella Ortiz-Daza, 26
Martha Juliana Echiverri-Guzman, 28
Lady Johanna Gueito, 32
Angie Paola Herandez-Manrique, 25
Each was booked into Maricopa County Jail on a $150,000 cash-only bond, pending numerous criminal charges.
Authorities continue investigating whether the group is connected to other thefts across state lines.
