AVON, CT (WFSB) – Two suspects, Misael Palomino, 32, and Alexandria Bravo Valencia, 27, have been arrested in connection with a South American theft ring responsible for a string of burglaries along the East Coast. The theft group, originating from Chile, had been under investigation for the last five years and is believed to have targeted affluent neighborhoods, including in Connecticut.
According to the Avon Police Department, the group exploited temporary visas to enter the United States and then traveled up the East Coast, often moving from one affluent community to the next. They primarily stole cash, jewelry, and other valuables from homes.
“They’ll get into the country on a temporary visa. Once they’re in, they have the freedom to move around,” explained Lt. John Schmalberger of the Avon Police Department. “They start in places like Miami and work their way up the coast committing burglaries along the way.”
While Connecticut was not the group’s only target, Avon and neighboring Farmington have been dealing with a series of home break-ins over the past five years. Retired FBI agent Kenneth Gray confirmed that the group had hit several states including California, North Carolina, Ohio, and New York.
Avon police noted that around two dozen home burglaries or attempts occurred in the area over this time frame, with the most recent break-in occurring in May. The suspects would typically look for open windows or doors and focus on master bedrooms where valuables are kept.
Two of the five suspects involved in the ring, Palomino and Bravo, were arrested in Camden County, GA, after a traffic stop. They were brought back to Connecticut to face charges of attempted burglary and conspiracy to commit burglary. Authorities hope these arrests could provide more leads on the other members of the crime ring.
“We believe arresting them will lead to more information about the rest of the group,” Gray said. “These gangs typically have 5 to 10 members, so we might be able to uncover other members.”
In response to the rising burglaries, local residents have taken extra precautions. One Avon woman, who lives near one of the targeted homes, installed additional security cameras and tightened her home’s security measures after hearing about the crime ring.
“We host community meetings with the victims of these crimes to reassure them that we’re working hard to solve them,” Lt. Schmalberger said. “These are tough cases to crack, but we’re committed to solving them and bringing those responsible to justice.”