League City Police Bust Organized Retail Theft Ring, Recover More Than $400,000 in Stolen Merchandise

LEAGUE CITY, Texas – A League City Police Department investigation into a shoplifting incident has led to the dismantling of what authorities describe as a major organized retail theft operation, resulting in the recovery of more than $400,000 in stolen merchandise and the arrest of a Houston woman.

According to the League City Police Department, the investigation began after officers responded to a theft at the Sephora inside Kohl’s in League City on July 12. What initially appeared to be a routine retail theft quickly evolved into a multi-jurisdictional investigation spanning numerous cities and several counties across the region.

Investigators with the department’s Business District Unit recovered more than 15,000 individual stolen items with an estimated value exceeding $400,000.

As a result of the investigation, 52-year-old Claudia Ivonne Higuera-Torres of Houston was arrested on July 21 and charged with First Degree Felony Organized Retail Theft.

Court records show her bond was set at $150,000. However, police said a judge denied her release because of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer.

Investigators said Flock Safety automated license plate reader cameras played a critical role in the case by helping identify vehicles linked to the theft ring, determine when League City businesses were being targeted and connect thefts occurring across multiple jurisdictions and retailers.

Assistant Chief Antley praised the Business District Unit and the department’s law enforcement and retail partners for their work throughout the investigation.

“This investigation is a testament to the professionalism, determination, and investigative expertise of our Business District Unit,” Antley said. “Organized retail crime impacts businesses, employees, and consumers throughout our communities. Through strong partnerships, advanced technology, and relentless investigative work, the BDU was able to identify those responsible and bring a significant criminal operation to an end.”

The League City Police Department credited assistance from the Pearland Police Department, Houston Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety, along with the Texas Organized Retail Crime Association, Gulf Coast Criminal Investigators Association and numerous retail partners, including Academy Sports + Outdoors, Ulta Beauty, Bath & Body Works, CVS Pharmacy, The Home Depot, Kohl’s, lululemon, Randalls, Sephora, Target, TJ Maxx, U-Haul, Victoria’s Secret, Walgreens and Walmart.

Police said the investigation remains active and ongoing. Additional arrests and criminal charges are anticipated as investigators continue identifying others believed to be involved in the organized retail theft operation.