In a Queens neighborhood, a retail scheme has been uncovered. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz declared the arrest of three individuals linked to an alleged fencing operation out of Elegant Fashion boutique in Corona. Over $50,000 worth of stolen goods, sourced from big-name retailers like Macy’s and Lululemon, were found and are said to have been sold at discounts that were too good to be true, according to a press release.
The unusual nature of the bargain deals led to the arrest of Cesar Castillo, Maria Sirena Quiroz, and Soraya Vargas, who now face charges related to criminal possession of stolen property. According to statements from the Queens District Attorney’s Office, the defendants are being held responsible for their involvement in the operation, which may have significant impacts on consumer prices and legitimate businesses in the area.
According to the charges, each defendant could be looking at a prison sentence ranging from five to 15 years if convicted. Cesar Castillo, the owner of Elegant Fashion, was arraigned last Thursday, while employees Quiroz and Vargas had their arraignments a day earlier. They will all be making their court appearances again on October 27.
During a court-authorized search of the boutique, law enforcement recovered a variety of items, including 238 pieces linked to Macy’s and clothing from other well-known brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, with a total value in the thousands of dollars. The investigation was conducted by retail crime specialists from several major retailers in coordination with the NYPD’s Criminal Intelligence Section, as reported by the Queens District Attorney’s Office. The operation is part of a broader effort to address organized retail theft.
Jeremy H. Mo of the District Attorney’s Major Economic Crimes Bureau is leading the prosecution, with guidance from Assistant District Attorneys Mary Lowenburg, Catherine Kane, and Jonathan Scharf, all under the purview of Executive Assistant District Attorney Gerard A. Brave.
