Sentencing has concluded for four individuals involved in a large-scale retail theft scheme spanning multiple states. The announcement came from Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom after the hearings were completed at the U.S. District Court in Providence.
The defendants, Guatemalan nationals residing illegally in the United States, have been detained since their arrest in April 2024. They were part of a conspiracy to steal and resell high-value products from home improvement stores and other retailers across Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.
Court documents reveal that the group consisted of up to fifteen individuals who participated in 35 documented theft incidents. Items stolen included electrical wire, flooring, power tools, and clothing. However, not all members took part in each theft operation.
The estimated intended loss from the conspiracy is at least $280,000. Searches conducted on April 12, 2024, at residences in Cranston and Providence led to the seizure of $11,000 worth of stolen goods and $83,000 in cash.
Two defendants sentenced today by Senior Judge William E. Smith are Abraham Dayger-Enrique and Jonathan Jose Amperez-Perez of Providence. Both received sentences equivalent to time served (eleven months) with judicial orders for removal back to Guatemala.
Previously sentenced was Marvin Estuardo Morales De Paz of Cranston. He was described as “the most consistent member” of the conspiracy and received a 30-month federal prison sentence. An immigration detainer has been placed against him by ICE.
Sebastian Lajuj-Solomon also faced sentencing earlier this year with a time-served sentence (nine months). He has already been deported to Guatemala following his removal order.
Assistant United States Attorney John P. McAdams prosecuted these cases. The investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations agents from various locations along with numerous local police departments across several states.