A massive retail theft operation targeting Ulta Beauty stores around the country came to a halt Monday in Florida. Officers from the Stuart Police Department apprehended two individuals at the Pineapple Commons shopping complex on March 16, capping a multi-state spree that investigators claim included dozens of separate incidents.
The break in the investigation occurred after the Port St. Lucie Police Department issued an alert about two people tied to recent shoplifting at Ulta outlets in their jurisdiction. Local authorities apprehended the couple at the Stuart store without incident.
According to police investigations, both suspects admitted to their involvement in many thefts during later interrogation.
The two people were recognized as Isabel Pardo Ramos and Oleiber Rios Rosabal. Ramos is facing allegations of grand theft and tampering with a security system.
She was also discovered to be a fugitive from justice, having an active warrant out of Galveston, Texas, for involvement in organized criminal activity. That warrant requires a $100,000 bond and full extradition. Rosabal was charged with attempted grand theft and acting as a principal in first degree.
Investigators now suspect the two are linked to over 40 retail theft incidents across multiple states, nearly all of which targeted Ulta Beauty stores. After being arrested, both were booked into the Martin County Jail.
Law enforcement officials attributed the arrests to close collaboration with the Stuart Police Department, the Port St. Lucie Police Department, and the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.