SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Two people are facing serious charges after a string of thefts at various Target locations across Utah, authorities said.
Mercedesa Kvec, 22, and Sergiu Kvec, 23, were each charged with one count of retail theft involving $5,000 or more, a second-degree felony. Arrest documents reveal that both suspects are in custody at the Utah County Jail, with Sergiu also having an active NCIC warrant from California.
Sergiu is reportedly responsible for about $6,400 in losses, while Mercedesa is linked to approximately $6,000 in stolen merchandise. The Kvecs are accused of using a theft method known as “quick change” across nearly 10 Target locations throughout Utah.
According to arrest documents, “quick change” theft involves a suspect attempting to pay for a large purchase in cash, using sleight of hand and confusion to keep part of the cash and the merchandise. Afterward, the stolen items are often returned at another location for a full refund, creating a second theft or loss.
The thefts, which began in September 2024, continued through March and April of 2025. Mercedesa and Sergiu are accused of targeting locations in Provo, Orem, American Fork, South Jordan, Sandy, Taylorsville, Centerville, and two different spots in Salt Lake City.
The thefts include a combination of quick change incidents, attempted thefts, and returns of stolen items. Both suspects have been ordered to be held without bail pending a review hearing.
