Two women, Johana Margarita Luis Quispe and Brenda Ampudia Tocto, have been indicted on charges related to an alleged “retail crime ring” that targeted stores in four Massachusetts counties. The Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office announced that Quispe and Tocto have been indicted on one count each of aggravated organized retail crime and larceny over $1,200.
The charges stem from an incident at an Ulta Beauty store in Plymouth where the store’s manager reported that Quispe, Tocto, and another man stole 34 fragrance bottles worth over $1,400. Security footage showed Quispe and Tocto putting the stolen items into specially-lined pockets in their bags to avoid detection by the store’s security measures.
Quispe pleaded not guilty to the charges in Brockton District Court and was ordered to surrender her passport and held on $100,000 cash bail. Tocto is currently in custody in Michigan facing out-of-state criminal charges. Both women are expected to be arraigned in Plymouth Superior Court at a later date.
The Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office became involved in the case following the coordinated theft at the Ulta Beauty store in Plymouth. The charges against Quispe and Tocto are related to organized retail crime incidents in Plymouth, Norfolk, Middlesex, and Bristol counties.
This case highlights the ongoing issue of organized retail crime and the efforts of law enforcement to combat these criminal operations.
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