The Regional Crime Suppression Unit has made multiple arrests in an investigation into the fencing of stolen property involving a popular restaurant in the area.

According to a release from the Sparks Police Department many suspects in thefts from local businesses allegedly brought the things they stole to the Roberto's Taco Shop on South Virginia Street and sold them to taco shop employees at a deeply discounted rate.

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Jose Manuel Martinez-Aguilar

The stolen goods were then allegedly taken to a home on North Escondido Court in Reno before being sent to Mexico.

The RCSU spent three months investigating the fencing operation alleged to be running out of Roberto's.

On Wednesday, August 28, they served search warrants at the home and at Roberto's, arresting three people and finding thousands of dollars of stolen goods and evidence according to the release.

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Epifanio Ortiz-Dimas

Jose Manuel Martinez-Aguilar was arrested for attempted organized retail theft, attempted felony theft, conspiracy to commit organized retail theft, possession of burglary tools, and possession of stolen property over $5,000.

Epifanio Ortiz-Dimas and Maria Dimas-Aguilar were arrested for conspiracy to commit organized retail theft and attempted misdemeanor theft.

Maria Dimas-Aguilar.jpg

Maria Dimas-Aguilar

Businesses that were victims of the thefts included JC Penney's, Home Depot, TJX Companies, Lowe's, and Target.

JC Penney's, Home Depot, and TJX Companies donated nearly $4,000 worth of goods and the assistance of their loss prevention teams to assist in the investigation.

The RCSU is a consolidated unit made up of detectives from Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County.