A Guatemalan national, who has been deported twice before, has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for his involvement in a organized group that repeatedly stole high-end construction equipment, building supplies, and clothing from national retailer’s stores. According to court documents, he was described as the most consistent member of the group. After serving his sentence, he will be deported again. The individual was convicted on charges of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property and illegal re-entry into the United States. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Marvin Estuardo Morales De Paz, a 30-year-old resident of Cranston, was one of the key members of a conspiracy in Rhode Island. According to court proceedings, Morales and a group of around twelve individuals targeted home improvement and clothing stores in multiple states, engaging in thefts. They would then transport the stolen merchandise back to Rhode Island to be sold. Morales played a significant role in these criminal activities, being present for almost every theft and overseeing the pricing and sale of the stolen items.
The court was presented with information stating that the ring was responsible for at least 35 documented thefts in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. It is believed that the members of the conspiracy managed to steal merchandise worth over $280,000. When Morales was apprehended on April 11, 2024, law enforcement discovered tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of stolen goods at his residence.
On Friday, U.S. District Court Senior Judge William E. Smith sentenced Morales to 30 months in prison, followed by one year of supervised release. After serving his sentence, Morales will be handed over to ICE and may face deportation.
Assistant United States Attorney John P. McAdams was responsible for prosecuting the case.
Homeland Security Investigations agents in Providence, along with the assistance of HSI agents in Boston and Allentown, Pennsylvania, collaborated with various police departments to investigate the matter. These include the Providence, Coventry, Warwick, Smithfield, and Johnston, RI Police Departments; Boston, Norwood, Bellingham, Marlboro, Seekonk, Avon, and Auburn, MA Police Departments; Montville and Fairfield, CT Police Departments; and the Parkesburg, Downingtown, Lebanon, Wyomissing, and Reading, PA, Police Departments. Additionally, the Nashua, NH Police Department and Marlboro, NJ Police Department were also involved in the investigation.