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On February 19, 2023, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office’s (TPSO) Chief Jimmy Travis reported the arrest of (4) individuals connected to a pickpocketing scheme during Mardi Gras.

An investigation began after detectives received information regarding the location of a stolen cellphone. The “Find My Phone” location app led detectives to a short term rental complex in Tickfaw, LA. As a result, a search warrant was obtained and executed at that address.

Four subjects were arrested and (40) cell phones recovered.

·       24-year-old Geinier Acevebo-Jimenez

·       26-year-old Jean Paul Sabogal-Angortia

·       31-year-old Bridgette Solorzano-Rodriguez

·       36-year-old Yudi Tatiana Solorzano Sanchez

As the investigation continued, detectives learned the subjects were not acting alone.  On February 20, 2023, a search warrant was obtained and executed on a second apartment in the same Tickfaw rental complex.  As a result, 7 subjects were arrested and (122) additional cell phones recovered.

Although TPSO Cyber Crimes investigators had some difficulty with identifying the individuals, all subjects were transported and booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail.

Authorities with federal agencies have indicated all persons arrested and identified them as members or associates of a large Colombian theft ring that’s operating in the United States. Additionally, one male subject is currently being sought by Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation.

Among the 7 arrested are:

·       30-year-old Kely Yojana Forero-Mendoza

·       24-year-old Paula Daniela Canaria-Villamil

·       33-year-old Paola Fernanda Consuegra-Gavlis

·       30-year-old Jhon Alexander Flores-Munoz

·       26-year-old Yuli Oney Gutierrez

·       31-year-old Ronald Steven Carvajal

·       47-year-old Jorge Jimenez

Currently, detectives are working to catalog a significant amount of evidence seized from the two operations.

To report a stolen cell phone, please visit www.tpso.org and click on “Report Stolen Cell Phone” from the home page.  The information collected is directly routed to the TPSO Cyber Crimes Unit.

The TPSO reminds the public that all subjects are considered innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.