Theft ring suspects, Fil-Am cop, arrested in Las Vegas

The theft suspects from top left: Samuelito Quijano, Kristine Quijano, Ranjit Quijano, Enrico Ronquillo, Alejandra Delacruz. Not in composite photo is Edward Silvestre. LVMPD

LAS VEGAS – Suspected members of a Filipino theft ring that victimized home improvement stores for two months were arrested by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police.

Also arrested was a police officer, Samelito Quijano, who has been with LVMPD since 2017. He is accused of having links with the ring’s activities.

The other arrested suspects were Alejandro Delacruz, Edward Silvestre, Enrico Ronquillo, Kristine Quijano and Ranjit Quijano, who collectively face charges of burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary and organized retail theft.

Police on May 2 received a report from a Las Vegas area Home Depot store that its security nabbed a member of  the theft identified as Edward Silvestre.

Silvestre admitted committing “all the known burglaries and more,” the arrest report said. Silvestre was reportedly paid about $10-$15 per theft to help push carts around the store for the suspects. Silvestre said he “knew stealing was wrong” but claimed he “needed money from the thefts to eat,” the report said.

According to the arrest report, the suspects would enter the store and put various items in the cart pushed by Silvestre, who was paid $10 to $15 per theft. Silvestre said among the tricks they used was buying items with stolen credit cards and later returning the items for cash.

The thefts began in March before the suspects were arrested in late May. The report said that of the 30 listed thefts, 28 happened at Las Vegas area Home Depot stores.  A Lowe’s store and a Seafood City store were also targeted.

Police questioned Ranjit, Kristine and Enrico Ronquillo, who all confessed to the crimes, but Alejandro Delacruz denied all involvement and requested a lawyer.

Samuelito Quijano has been suspended from the police force without pay pending the result of the investigation, LVMPD said. He asked for specific items from his sister, Kristine, who was part of the ring, according to his arrest document.

Quijano specifically asked for a gazebo from Lowes, furniture from IKEA, other patio furniture items and home items such as a couch and a blender. “I don’t care, as long as you don’t get caught, it’s up to you,” he texted his sister, the arrest report said. “As long as I don’t get involved.”

Recovered stolen items from Quijano’s home, included patio furniture, two iPads, a desktop computer and more. Police estimated the items were valued in excess of $2,000. He was released on bail provided he not contact the other arrestees and does not challenge his suspension.