AURORA | Since its creation in August, the Aurora Police Department’s Retail Theft Investigations Team has identified 45 serial shoplifters connected to $82,000 in losses across the metro area.
The team recently arrested two Aurora men as part of their ongoing investigations. Demonte Rodgers-Jenkins, 24, is a suspect in 17 cases involving more than $23,000 in losses and was arrested Oct. 9. Rodgers-Jenkins faces felony charges in Arapahoe District Court for theft of $5,000 to $20,000 and attempted theft of $2,000 to $5,000.
Jaquon Wickware, 33, was arrested Oct. 17 in connection with 12 cases involving $980 in losses. Wickware faces misdemeanor theft charges in Arapahoe County Court and he is currently wanted for failing to appear in court.
In addition, investigators are warning local businesses and seeking information about five additional suspects:
- Christopher Mondragon, 31, of Denver, is wanted in connection with multiple theft warrants. “He is known to target department stores.”
- Christina Rico, 51, of Aurora, is wanted on five active misdemeanor and felony warrants including charges of theft of less than $300, second-degree burglary of a retailer, theft of $1,000-$2,000, false reporting to police and theft of $2,000-$5,000.
- Brooklyn Bodhaine, 21, of Aurora, “is a known prolific shoplifter who targets beauty stores and discount retail stores.” She is a person of interest in numerous active shoplifting and robbery investigations.
- Daryl Weinand, 50, of Littleton, is a “known prolific shoplifter and a co-defendant of Bodhaine.”
- Tyrus Stanton, 29, of Aurora, is wanted on multiple warrants featuring charges of second-degree burglary of a retailer and theft of $300-$1,000. “He is known to target home improvement and discount retail stores.”
In a statement, APD Operations Division Deputy Chief Phil Rathbun said the Retail Theft Investigations Team was established to hold prolific offenders accountable, adding that retail theft will not be accepted as “a cost of doing business in Aurora.”
The team is composed of one officer, two detectives and a supervising sergeant.
“The team is already making an impact, and our message is clear: retail theft will not be tolerated in Aurora,” Rathbun said.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. Tipsters can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.