Aurora police arrest 5 Colombian nationals, accused in ‘sophisticated’ burglary ring

AURORA | Aurora police say investigators have broken up a local ‘highly sophisticated” burglary ring responsible for 21 home burglaries in the city.

“This was a thorough and exhaustive investigation conducted by our detectives,” said Investigations Commander Marc Paolino.

Police arrested five men March 27 in connection with the burglaries, all Colombian nationals, according to an Aurora police statement. 

Arrested were Yesid Alexander Espinosa-Castro, 27, Freddy Giovanni Castro Garzon, 44, Yineth Karina Medina Acevedo, 29, and Joseph Michud Cruz Marquez, 27. A fifth suspect, Jhoan Sebastian Vanegas-Garcia, 26, was arrested by local and federal police and agents in Ohio.

Armed with warrants, police, along with local county sheriff deputies and federal immigration agents, raided two homes in the 1400 block of Fairplay Street and the1400 block of Altura Boulevard in central Aurora, police spokesperson Joe Moylan said in a statement.

“The operation stemmed from an investigation into a highly sophisticated crew responsible for nearly 21 residential burglaries in the city of Aurora,” Moylan said. “All five suspects are Colombian nationals who are currently in federal custody.”

Investigators said the men surveilled their victims and then used WiFi signal jamming tools to bypass home alarms to break into houses.

“Investigators recovered hundreds of pieces of stolen property, including cash, jewelry, and high-priced clothing and accessories,” Moylan said. “Investigators also seized stolen weapons, including handguns and rifles, and tracking devices and Wi-Fi signal jammers.”

Moylan said a virtual fleet of officers, detectives, SWAT and crime specialists were part of the investigation and the raid.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the commitment and dedication of our officers and investigators.,” Paolino said.

The five suspects face multiple charges of burglary and conspiracy. Charges will be filed by prosecutors from the 18th Judicial District in Arapahoe County.

None of the suspects are currently being held in the Arapahoe County jail, according to jail records. It’s unclear if they are being held in the GEO ICE immigration detention facility in Aurora.

Police said anyone with information can call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. Tipsters can remain anonymous and still be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000, police said.