KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. – Authorities say they have uncovered a large-scale, multi-state organized retail theft ring operating out of a Kenosha apartment, with several suspects now charged and sources indicating possible ties to Mexican drug cartels.

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On May 6, 2025, a SWAT team and members of the Kenosha Drug Operations Group (KDOG) executed a search warrant at 3919 28th Ave #4, where they recovered an estimated $100,000 worth of stolen merchandise. The operation follows a month-long surveillance effort launched after a tip from Oak Brook, Illinois police.

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Four individuals were arrested during the raid and appeared in Kenosha County court on Monday: Jose Antonio Baez-Fuerte, Ana Paola Villeda-Sevilla, Sharon Jazmin Villeda-Sevilla, and Jorge Alberto Villeda-Sevilla. Each was given a $25,000 cash bail and is subject to an ICE hold, according to prosecutors.

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The suspects are charged with felony receiving stolen property valued over $10,000, as parties to a crime. If convicted, each faces up to 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

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Authorities allege the group stole large quantities of clothing and other goods from high-end retail stores—including Lululemon, Nike, Victoria’s Secret, and American Eagle—across Wisconsin and the Chicago area. Investigators say the suspects concealed items under loose clothing and exited stores without paying. Surveillance and electronic tracking linked the group to stores in Rosemont, Aurora, Johnson Creek, Appleton, Milwaukee, and Pleasant Prairie.

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KDOG previously intercepted the group during an April 10 traffic stop, recovering nearly $21,000 in merchandise. But with no active complaints at the time, the suspects were released. The search warrant on May 6 followed continued surveillance of the apartment.

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A corporate asset protection manager from Lululemon confirmed that $4,138 worth of tagged items found inside the apartment were stolen from their outlets in Pleasant Prairie and Rosemont.

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Law enforcement sources familiar with the investigation told Kenosha County Eye that the scale and coordination of the operation have prompted an inquiry into potential connections with Mexican cartels. While officials declined to speak publicly, the suggestion of cartel ties adds gravity to an already complex and ongoing probe.

Three additional suspects—Manuel Perez-Sanchez, Danna Paola Gomez, and Yareli E. Salas-Ramirez—remain at large. Arrest warrants were issued for each on May 8, with $25,000 bonds. Fausto Javier Gonzalez-Medrano is also wanted, with a $7,500 warrant issued last Wednesday.

Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis and intern Morgan Millar appeared in court on behalf of the state. The charges stem from an investigation involving KDOG, Homeland Security Investigations, and police agencies from multiple jurisdictions.

Kenosha County Eye will continue to follow developments, including efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects and any emerging information about organized crime connections.