Three men who were arrested for allegedly stealing over $1,000 worth of merchandise at Target in Brick Township are also suspected of taking part in several similar thefts that occurred throughout the state.
On the afternoon of April 6, a Target store in Brick was reportedly robbed by three men.
When the authorities were alerted, detectives with the Police Street Crimes Unit went to the store to investigate the situation. It was reported that they had been investigating similar thefts that had been taking place in large retail stores, such as Target and Walmart. The heists had been taking place recently in the local area, as well as in other parts of New Jersey.
In the current incident, as well as the prior thefts, the suspects were described as always being in groups of three or four. They were also said to be Hispanic or Spanish.
When the police arrived at the Brick Target, they located the three men asserted to be the thieves.
The men were identified as 44-year-old Hector Marquez-Tronosco, 29-year-old Luis Ramirez-Gonzalez, and Esteban Ibarra-Ignacio, 22.
One of the men was allegedly keeping many of the stolen goods in a backpack, and the others were reportedly using gift cards allegedly purchased with a stolen credit card.
The total amount of the merchandise believed to have been stolen by the three suspects was reported as being approximately $1,200.
Their cell phones and vehicle were confiscated, and all three of the suspects were taken into custody and booked into the Ocean County Jail.
Marquez-Tronosco, Ramirez-Gonzales, and Ibarra-Ignacio are accused of shoplifting, credit card fraud, and theft by deception. Since Ibarra-Ignacio was reportedly the driver of the car the men were in, he is facing additional charges for possession of a fake ID, unlicensed driving, driving an unregistered vehicle, and displaying fictitious plates.
The authorities strongly believe that the men are connected to at least some of the other heists, and they are continuing their investigation.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.