5 Accused Of Stealing More Than $1.2M In Denver Auto Theft Ring

DENVER, CO — Five people are accused of stealing more than $1.2 million in vehicles and other property in Denver's metro area. The thefts were "feeding their heroin and methamphetamine habits," according to the Denver District Attorney's Office.

Miriam Alvarez, 28; Alan Lopez-Reyes, 26; Pedro Marrufo-Garcia, 32; Robert Mills, 26; and Uriel Ureno-Garcia, 31, are accused of stealing around 70 vehicles, the DA's office said.

A warrant was issued for the arrest of Uriel Ureno-Garcia, who remains at large.

The group often targeted Ford F-Series trucks and Chevy Silverado trucks at the Denver International Airport, according to an indictment.

The defendants are accused of using identification documents and financial transaction devices stolen from the vehicles to make unauthorized cash withdrawals, buy gift cards, clothes, food and other items which they would then share, the DA's office said.

Don't miss the latest news updates in Denver: Free Denver Patch Newsletters and Email Alerts | Facebook | Twitter

Eight law enforcement agencies across metro Denver were involved in the investigation.

The five defendants, who are being tried individually, are charged with violating Colorado’s Organized Crime Control Act, conspiring to commit aggravated motor-vehicle theft, aggravated motor vehicle theft, possession with intent to manufacture or distribute a controlled substance, identity theft and criminal trespassing.