2 Arrested In Foxborough Could Be Part Of Retail Theft Ring: MSP

FOXBOROUGH, MA — State troopers arrested two out of state residents Wednesday night at a traffic stop, who police said may be part of an organized retail theft ring. Police said they found clothes with security tags still on them and a backpack filled with insulating tape used to block the security sensors from going off when leaving the store.

Julian Vega-Santos, 39, of Philadelphia, and Abundino Ramirez-Guzman, 40, of Queens, New York, were charged with unlawful deactivation of a theft shielding device and receiving stolen property over $1,200. Vega-Santos was also charged with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and traffic violations.

Just after 7 p.m., police said they pulled over a gray Honda Odyssey on I-495 for speeding. After speaking with the suspects, state troopers discovered neither man had a valid driver's license, police said.

State troopers called a tow truck, but first, searched the vehicle. Police said they found bags of new clothes, which mostly still had store security tags on them. They also found a backpack filled with insulating tape used to block the security sensors from going off when leaving the store and a homemade device used to remove the tags, police said.

State Police said they believe the clothes were stolen from retail stores across the region and are investigating if the thefts are part of a larger organized crime ring.

The suspects were arraigned Thursday in Wrentham District Court.