AUBURN — A cargo van being driven without lights Monday night led police to what they say is an organized retail crime ring involving stolen merchandise valued at more than $10,000.

Police arrested Luis Garcia, 36, of New York City, on charges of theft by deception, organized retail theft and unlawful possession of fentanyl. He was being held Tuesday at the Androscoggin County Jail on $10,000 cash bail.

Also arrested was Alejandro Rivera, 21, of New York City, who was charged with theft by deception, organized retail theft, aggravated forgery, possession of forgery devices and misuse of identification. He was also being held at the jail on $20,000 bail.

According to a news release, an Auburn police officer stopped a white cargo van with New Jersey plates after the vehicle was seen being driven without headlights. Things happened quickly after that.

“At the same time as the vehicle stop was being conducted,” according to the release, “an Auburn PD officer was on a call with asset protection officials from Home Depot, taking information in real time about a vehicle with New Jersey plates that had been involved in fraudulent activities, including theft, at the Auburn Home Depot, as well as several other locations in Maine. With this new information, Auburn detectives and patrol officers began an investigation, confiscating fraudulently obtained documents, account information, and stolen merchandise valued over $10,000.”

It is believed the suspects were using falsified United States government issued documents to fraudulently obtain retail credit cards, which they used to make large-scale purchases of high-end merchandise at Home Depot stores and other retail establishments.

Police were continuing to investigate the ring Tuesday and said more charges are likely.

Copy the Story Link

« Previous

Photo: Keeping positive despite the circumstances

Next »

Auburn delaying timeline for new public safety facility