A 27-year-old man who led a retail theft ring that stole more than $16,000 in merchandise across San Diego County was sentenced May 7 to six years in state prison.
San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said Edgar Figueroa was convicted on multiple felony counts of organized retail theft and robbery.
Figueroa pleaded guilty on March 28 to two counts of organized retail theft and one count of robbery for stealing $16,300 worth of shoes and merchandise from the Nike store at Las Americas Premium Outlets, Dick’s Sporting Goods in Chula Vista, and Burlington in Chula Vista during February. He also admitted to stealing $3,050 in goods from the Nike store in Carlsbad in January.
“The era of chronic theft in San Diego County is coming to an end, and it is high time for thieves to be held accountable under the law,” Stephan said. “Thanks to the passage of Proposition 36, we don’t have to stand by while businesses suffer under the crushing weight of repeat theft that steals their livelihood and threatens the safety of their employees and customers.”
Figueroa was arrested on March 16 while attempting to steal merchandise from Dick’s Sporting Goods. A store employee recognized him and contacted Chula Vista Police, who detained him. He had previously pointed a firearm at a Burlington employee during a Feb. 17 robbery, where $1,684 was stolen.
Figueroa led a group of at least six suspects involved in the thefts. The group often tried to disguise themselves when returning to previously targeted stores. The remaining suspects have been identified and are being prosecuted.
