Theft of Louis Vuitton Tote Bag Leads to Bust of Suspected Crime Ring: Police

Harrison, NY — Three people from Chile, who authorities said committed larcenies, fraud and identity theft around the country, were caught, in part, due to a Louis Vuitton tote bag.

The Harrison Police Department announced the arrests Thursday of Jonathan Nievees Marrero, 28, Braulio Alejandro Besoain Ortiz, 25, and Valentina Naomi Vilches Ledezma, 19, for their roles in a larceny from a vehicle.

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Police said all three defendants have multiple aliases.

On June 12, 2016, a 38-year-old woman parked and locked her car at a Purchase recreation center and later reported, when she returned to her vehicle, that all her car windows were open, there was damage to the driver door lock, and her Louis Vuitton tote bag, which was left on the floor of the front passenger side, was missing.

Video from the recreation center showed that at least one male and one female were involved in the theft.

Subsequent use of sophisticated electronic technology identified the vehicle used to commit the crime and it was tracked to the Corona Hotel in Queens, which is where the three suspects were apprehended.

Police said numerous items believed to be stolen and/or purchased with stolen funds were seized at the scene.

They include a large amount of cash, clothing, luxury hand bags, jewelry, retail gift cards, multiple forms of identification and the victim’s Louis Vuitton tote bag, police said.

The defendants are believed to be involved in identity thefts, production of fraudulent credit cards and other financial and property crimes all over the United States.

“The Harrison Police are committed to investigating all crimes to the fullest extent,” said Police Chief Anthony Marraccini. “What appeared to be a simple property crime has turned into a multi-jurisdiction organized crime ring operating in the U.S.”

Harrison police are furthering their investigation with other law enforcement authorities, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The investigation is ongoing and could result in additional arrests.

Ledezma and Marrero face felony grand larceny and misdemeanor criminal mischief and conspiracy.

Oritz faces felony criminal possession of a forged instrument.

All three are being held at the Westchester County Jail without bail.