Maryland Trio Charged For Leading International Theft Ring Targeting Major Retailers: Feds

A trio in Maryland who helped organize and run an international organized theft ring are facing charges for their roles in a large-scale operation targeting retailers, federal authorities announced.

Target, Ulta Beauty, CVS, and Walmart were among the stores targeted by the "boosters"
Photo Credit: *Google Maps street view*

Zak Failla

10/10/2024 2:48 p.m.

Sindy Apola Hernandez, 38, Johnsie Steven Reina Hernandez, 20, and Edwin Gonzalez Rodriguez, 30, all of Hyattsville, have been charged for having underlings rob stores, which in turn, they shipped to Honduras and other countries.

According to the affidavit that resulted in the criminal complaint, conspirators stole cosmetic and other products from various retail establishments and provided them to Hernandez, Reina Hernandez, and Gonzalez Rodriguez.

Stores targeted during the scheme include Target, Ulta Beauty, CVS, and Walmart, and the group's "boosters" would target premium skincare products, vitamins, and cold/cough medicine.

The boosters frequently indicated that they were selling the stolen products to Hernandez, who lived in Prince George’s County. The three then stored and sorted the products at their homes and storage units, which were then shipped to Honduras.

The three were charged with conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen goods.

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