DENVER — A grand jury has indicted a group that self identifies as “The Sopranos” for allegedly operating a theft ring to support their drug habits.
Authorities say from Feb. 19 to Sept. 29, the group committed a total of 91 offenses and stole more than $950,000 in cars, firearms, tools, transaction devices, and other property to support their addictions to fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine.
Charged in the investigation are Timothy James Boles, 27; Daniel Holman, 42; Richardlee Martin Oritz, 28; Lanea Dawn Rodriquez, 23; Guillermo Jesus Hernandez, 21; Danea Lynn Holman, 39; Daysha Ann Holman, 22; Elisha Monique Marquez, 30; Rachel Christine Montour, 22; Sierra Sandoval, 22; and 21-year-old Ariel Sosa.
Prosecutors say the group targeted specific vehicles to steal–Kias and Hyundais, operating in teams.
“One team member would break the driver’s side door lock, then break the ignition lock and start the vehicle using a screwdriver,” Denver District Attorney Beth McCann said in a release. “The other team member acted as look-out and get away driver. They then allegedly attached stolen license plates to conceal the stolen vehicles. Members also targeted “puffers,” any vehicle that was left running and unattended. Members are accused of using credit cards found in stolen vehicles to quickly make purchases of gift cards, tools, and other property.”
McCann said “The Sopranos” shared information and techniques amongst themselves to perfect the best methods of quickly stealing a vehicle and boasted to each other on Facebook about their individual prowess at automotive thievery.
“They also used Facebook to coordinate crimes, to elude capture, and to arrange for bond for each other,” she said. “On some occasions they are accused of livestreaming their crimes while in progress over Facebook as other enterprise members offered real-time encouragement.”
Facebook and other social media were used to arrange for the sale of the alleged stolen goods. Prosecutors believe the defendants used the profits to purchase fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine.
The defendants are charged with violating Colorado’s Organized Crime Control Act, conspiracy to commit aggravated motor vehicle, aggravated motor vehicle theft, identity theft, possession of a weapon by a previous offender, possession with intent to manufacture or distribute a controlled substance, and other offenses.
A photo of Elisha Monique Marquez was not available at press time.