Caught on Bodycam: 10 Shoplifters Busted in New Mexico Retail Stores

Shoplifting Crackdown in New Mexico

• 🎯 New Mexico is taking a firm stance against rising shoplifting with the deployment of an organized crime unit.
• 🚨 The video highlights 10 arrests of shoplifters caught on bodycam, emphasizing that theft will not be tolerated.

Lego Bandits Apprehended

• 🧱 Two suspects, identified as Lucas Chavez and Toma Plero, were arrested for stealing $700 worth of Legos from an Albuquerque Target.
• 🕵️ Plero, considered the mastermind, was reportedly involved in his eighth Lego heist, with an alleged $5,000 crime streak.
• ⚖️ Both were charged with shoplifting and conspiracy to commit a felony.

Walgreens Key Holder Arrested

• 🔑 A suspect, Mark Shaone, was arrested outside a Walgreens for shoplifting and possessing universal keys to open merchandise lockboxes.
• 🏃 He was also charged with evading police on foot.
• 📜 Shaone accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to shoplifting and receiving 6 months of probation, with other charges dismissed.

Imposter Employee and Escape Attempt

• 🎭 Curtis Van, a 22-year-old, was arrested at Target for attempting to pose as an employee to steal electronics.
• 🏃 During a restroom break at the police station, Van attempted to escape and was apprehended after a struggle involving a taser.
• ⚖️ He faced charges including two counts of shoplifting, embezzlement, battery on a police officer, aggravated fleeing, and escape, though some charges were later dismissed.

Mother-Daughter Shoplifting Ring

• 🚗 A mother and daughter duo were caught loading merchandise from Target into their car, intending to sell it.
• 🗣️ The mother initially downplayed the theft, but eventually implicated her daughter.
• 💰 The total value of the stolen merchandise exceeded $500, leading to their arrest for shoplifting and conspiracy.
• ⚖️ Prosecution was not pursued by the district attorney, and charges were dismissed.

Serial Burglar and Family Shoplifting

• 💇 Cody Mononttoya, 40, was linked to multiple burglaries, including a hair salon break-in, using crowbars to pry open doors.
• 🚗 His getaway vehicle was tracked, leading to his arrest and 34 charges.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A father, Patrick Ethridge, and his two sons were caught shoplifting at Walmart; the father was charged with larceny and shoplifting and sentenced to 8 days in jail.

Habitual Offender and Organized Retail Crime

• 🛍️ Selena Cordova, identified as a habitual offender, was arrested for pushing a cart loaded with merchandise from a department store.
• ⚖️ She pleaded guilty to organized retail crime and five counts of shoplifting, facing up to eight years in prison.
• 😔 Cordova expressed shame and regret, stating shoplifting had become a bad habit and a source of "easy money."