APD Arrests 16 Repeat Offenders During Organized Retail Crime Operation
Fri. Aug. 26, 2022
ALBUQUERQUE – The Albuquerque Police Department in conjunction with the Attorney General’s Office working an organized retail crime operation arrested 16 repeat offenders for shoplifting.
On August 24th and 25th, officers with Northeast and Northwest PRT were working with the Organized Crime Unit and the Attorney General’s Office on a shoplifting tact plan with two local big-box retailers.
During the two-day operation, the following individuals were arrested:
- Paul Valenzuela – misdemeanor shoplifting and eluding/evading police (on foot)
- Jennessa Garcia - misdemeanor shoplifting (identified repeat offender)
- David Valencia - misdemeanor shoplifting (identified repeat offender)
- Juvenile Offender –misdemeanor shoplifting (repeat offender- Juvenile sent to JPO)
- Pedro Apachito - felony shoplifting (repeat offender)
- Lindsay Marshall - felony shoplifting and conspiracy to commit a felony
- Marcella Becenti - felony shoplifting and conspiracy to commit a felony
- Saladono Cortez - felony shoplifting and conspiracy to commit a felony
- Ryan Jaramillo - misdemeanor shoplifting and felony warrant
- Terry Tsosie - felony shoplifting and eluding/evading police
- Billson Toledo - felony shoplifting (identified repeat offender)
- Augustine Jones - misdemeanor shoplifting (identified repeat offender)
- Elwyn Thompson - Possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and misdemeanor shoplifting (identified repeat offender)
On the 24th during the operation, two females attempted to shoplift from Marshalls but dropped the merchandise and recklessly drove out of the parking lot.
Following that incident, officers were able to locate an offender vehicle known to be connected to Dylan Zisman and Kellie Shugart. Shugart was sought after by investigative units for multiple burglary and criminal damage to property warrants.
K-9 came to assist as it was confirmed that Shugart was inside an apartment near Louisiana and Montgomery, where Zisman was attempting to enter. After public announcements and the help of Bombs utilizing their drone Shugart peacefully exited the apartment. Shugart had a felony warrant for 69 counts connected to commercial burglaries.
“I am incredibly proud of all of our units who are working tirelessly to get repeat offenders off the streets through our organized retail crime initiative,” said Chief Harold Medina. “Our partnership with the Attorney General’s Office continues to help our community as we work to combat shoplifting across our city.”
Along with the arrests, $4,500.00 in stolen merchandise was recovered and returned to the businesses. One vehicle was sealed and will be searched pending a warrant.
APD worked closely with the Attorney General’s Office on the arrests for this operation and we will continue to work with their agency for successful prosecution.
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