Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has recently filed new charges against individuals suspected to be part of the South American Theft Group, accused of targeting homes in Phoenix and Scottsdale. This move comes as part of an ongoing effort to combat organized burglary rings operating within the county.
The defendants, believed to be associated with a ring of thieves who recruit Chilean nationals to engage in elaborate burglaries across the United States, face serious charges related to conspiracy to commit burglary, possession of burglary tools, identity theft, forgery, and other offenses.
In Phoenix, three individuals were apprehended in February, including David Carlos Rojas Ferrada, Johan Bastian Salvo Alacon, and Sue Ellen Patricia Gutierrez Saez. They are accused of various crimes ranging from conspiracy to commit burglary to forgery.
Meanwhile, in Scottsdale, three additional suspects have been arrested, namely Grecia Romanduski Gaete Castillo, Sebastian Jesus Parraguez Soto, and a juvenile whose identity has not been disclosed due to legal reasons. These individuals face charges similar to those in the Phoenix cases, including conspiracy to commit burglary and possession of burglary tools.
According to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, South American Theft Groups operate by recruiting individuals from South America who enter the United States under the guise of tourism, only to engage in criminal activities such as burglary once inside the country. These groups are known to target homes and families across the nation, stealing millions of dollars worth of items.
Scottsdale authorities have been investigating a significant number of similar burglaries since November of the previous year, with one defendant admitting involvement in crimes spanning multiple states, including California, Nevada, and Arizona.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell emphasized the importance of holding these criminals accountable and preventing them from further endangering communities. The arrests made by the Scottsdale and Phoenix Police Departments reflect a concerted effort to disrupt the activities of organized burglary rings operating within the county.
The latest charges against members of the South American Theft Group underscore the ongoing challenges posed by organized crime groups and the determination of law enforcement agencies to address them. As the legal proceedings progress, authorities continue to work towards ensuring the safety and security of residents in Maricopa County and beyond.