In a surprising turn of events, an Albuquerque Police Department (APD) officer, typically tasked with combating retail crime, is now facing allegations of shoplifting. This comes amidst the department's intensified efforts to tackle organized retail theft.
Officer Vanessa Santillanes has been charged with four counts of shoplifting at two Target stores in Albuquerque. Remarkably, she was identified in the surveillance footage by a fellow officer who was investigating the thefts. The criminal complaint details that Santillanes allegedly stole nearly $160 worth of beauty products and shoes across four separate incidents at the Target stores on Coors and Paseo.
Santillanes, who holds the rank of Patrolman Second Class with the APD, reportedly engaged in 'ticket switching'. This involved scanning higher-priced items with barcodes of cheaper products at self-checkout stations. One notable instance occurred on April 17 at the Target on Coors Blvd NW, where she scanned a $28 body cream and a $40 tanning product each for just 50 cents using plastic cups to facilitate the barcode switch. That day, the store reported a loss of almost $70.
Further incidents on April 30 and later in June and November involved similar tactics with beauty products and shoes, resulting in additional losses for the stores.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, police reports indicate that Santillanes was seen leaving the scene in a government vehicle during her last incident. During an interview with investigators, she confirmed her identity in the surveillance footage.
Currently, Santillanes is on leave as the investigation proceeds. The Attorney General’s office has assumed responsibility for the case. Facing four counts of petty misdemeanor shoplifting charges, each under $250, Santillanes is scheduled for a court appearance on January 9.
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