Police arrest shoplifters believed linked to theft ring

Photo Courtesy of Chandler PD IN CUSTODY -- Norma Avila (L) and Monica Cano remain in custody in the Henderson County jail and are placed on a hold by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.

What was first perceived to be an ordinary case of shoplifting, is now believed to be linked to a nationwide theft ring specializing in the black marketing of stolen infant formula.

Monica Cano and Norma Avila, both 20 years old, and believed to be illegal aliens in the United States were taken into custody Wednesday, May 9, for shoplifting sixteen 12.9- ounce cans of infant formula from Brookshire's Store #84, in Chandler, according to Chandler Police Assistant Chief James Lehman.

Around 9:15 a.m., as the two women were leaving the store, the security strips on the formula cans they had tucked inside girdles under their jackets set off the store's security monitor. Brookshire's manager David Farrell was able to detain Avila at the store, however Cano fled on foot east on Highway 31 with several managers in pursuit, Lehman said.

Cano ran behind Chandler city hall where she crawled underneath a Chandler PD patrol car. A Coke vendor who happened to witness the commotion at Brookshire's followed the chase down Hwy. 31 in the turn lane and pulled in behind city hall.

When the Coke vendor spotted Cano beneath the patrol car, she attempted to pull Cano out. Cano broke free of the vendor by slamming her to the ground, injuring the Coke vendor, Lehman said.

Meanwhile, Brookshire's Manager Chris Jones, who had chased Cano from Brookshire's, grabbed Cano and subdued her, Lehman said.

Both women were then taken to Chandler PD where police began their interroga- tion. Learning neither spoke English, Chandler city secretary Beatriz Ibarra served as interpreter.

"They both gave her fictitious names and addresses," Lehman said.

A representative from Brookshire's Loss Prevention informed Lehman they had over $50,000 of powdered formula stolen.

"They had videos of these two girls stealing the formula from Tyler stores and had been looking for them," Lehman said.

Lehman said he notified Tyler PD Detective Gregg Roberts, he had Avila and Cano in custody. Roberts advised Lehman to fingerprint both women.

Tyler PD ran their fingerprints through AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification Service) and came up with a hit and correct ID on both suspects. It was also found both women had been arrested in other stores throughout the state of Texas and had been deported from the US several times.

Lehman said the women weighed about 100 pounds each, and along with the formula they had stolen, they also had two bottles of shampoo and two bottles of body wash in their possession.

"Normally this would be a simple shoplifting deal," Lehman said "But these girls were not worried. They're very small and petite. Nothing you would think they would do. They just did not have the appearance. What amazes me is they could put eight cans in their girdles and no other customers notice."

Lehman said it appears the women were dropped off at the store to steal the formula to be picked up later.

"It is the Tyler PD's opinion, the Immigration's opinion, and the opinion of DPS intelligence that these two girls are involved in a national conspiracy and possibly linked to terrorism," Lehman said. "This is just the tip of the iceberg that we've run across some big timers here."

Cano and Avila were booked into the Henderson County jail with no bonds.

"Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have placed a hold on them at the jail," Lehman said. "All they would tell us is they have a special interest in them."

Reeves said the theft of the baby formula is more than a case of shoplifting.

"The shoplifting seemed at first to be petty" Reeves said. "But when Lehman told me what the suspects had stolen I informed him of a notice that had been relayed to all law enforcement of a national organized crime ring involved in the thefts of the baby formula being stolen, compiled in secret areas, then sold on the black market that eventually helps fund terrorist organizations. "

The baby formula is also used to "cut" certain drugs, Reeves said.

"Thanks to quick action from our department contacting Tyler PD, and them making their contacts, two major players were held," Reeves said. "If they had gotten away we would have been at a loss."

Cano was booked into the Henderson County jail on a robbery charge, and Avila is charged with theft over $50, under $500.