Two women accused of running shoplifting ring across New York
State police say most of the stolen items were kept at a home in Valley Stream that is used as a registered daycare.
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Two women accused of running a shoplifting ring across New York have been arrested following a months-long investigation by numerous agencies.
Investigators say Maria Betances, 47, of Valley Stream, had people steal specific merchandise like makeup, clothing and high-demand retail products from stores in Queens, Staten Island, Nassau, Westchester and Rockland counties.
She allegedly worked with Leslie Cruz, 24, or East Elmhurst.
State police say most of the stolen items were kept at a home in Valley Stream that is used as a registered daycare.
The items were then sold on social media or sent to the Dominican Republic to be resold, according to state police.
Investigators recovered more than 5,000 allegedly stolen items worth an estimated $159,000 from locations in Valley Stream and East Elmhurst, along with broken security devices, tools used to remove anti-theft tags, and about $30,000 in cash.
The alleged thefts happened from February through last month.
They are both charged with grand larceny, conspiracy, attempted criminal possession of stolen property and criminal possession of stolen property.
Betances was also charged with endangering the welfare of a child.
