LEAGUE CITY, Texas – League City police say a shoplifting call that started at Sephora inside Kohl’s earlier this month turned into a sweeping investigation that uncovered what they describe as a large organized retail theft operation.
According to the League City Police Department, its Business District Unit (BDU) recovered more than $400,000 worth of stolen merchandise — an estimated 15,000-plus items — and arrested 52-year-old Claudia Ivonne Higuera-Torres of Houston.
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Police said officers were first dispatched to a theft report at the store on July 12. From there, investigators say the case quickly broadened into a multi-jurisdictional effort involving numerous cities and several counties across the region.
Higuera-Torres was taken into custody on July 21 and charged with first-degree felony organized retail theft, police said. Her bond was set at $150,000, but the judge denied her release due to an ICE detainer, according to the department.
Investigators said Flock Safety camera systems were key to the case, helping them identify vehicles tied to the alleged theft ring, track when League City businesses were being targeted, and connect similar thefts reported by multiple retailers in other jurisdictions.
“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,” LCPD Assistant Chief Stephen Antley said.
Police also said the investigation is ongoing and they expect additional arrests and charges as detectives continue identifying others they believe are involved.