Glendale couple, delivery driver arrested in connection with organized retail theft ring

PHOENIX — Three people, including a married couple, were arrested for their alleged involvement in a Valley-based organized retail theft ring, authorities announced Thursday.

The operation allegedly trafficked over $350,000 in stolen merchandise, according to the Phoenix Police Department.

In addition, the group is suspected of similar crimes in Texas and Nevada, police said.

A Glendale husband and wife — Nephtali Santiago-Garcia and Yuli “Nissy” Degante-Vigueras – are accused of being the primary sellers for the organized retail theft ring.

How did Glendale couple allegedly run organized retail theft ring?

They allegedly turned their living room into a storefront for $160,000 in products mostly stolen from Bath & Body Works locations. Police said they fenced stolen merchandise at least 17 times from April 2023 to April 2024.

The couple was arrested on April 9, 2025, and booked on counts of theft, fraudulent schemes, illegal control of an enterprise and trafficking in stolen property.

The ongoing investigation led to Marcos Ortega Hernandez, a driver for a trucking company that delivered products to retailers such as Bath & Body Works, Old Navy, Victoria’s Secret, Gap and Banana Republic.

He allegedly was paid over $72,000 to divert about $200,000 worth of merchandise to the Glendale couple so they could sell it.

Hernandez was arrested June 26 after police served a search warrant at his home and found stolen items.

He was booked for fraudulent schemes and trafficking in stolen property.

Organized retail theft is a growing problem in metro Phoenix. The number of cases the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office received almost doubled in 2024 compared to the year before.

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