Since January 2022, the Kokomo Police Department has responded to numerous incidents involving thefts from elderly females at various local stores.  The suspects removed the victim’s wallets from their purses while the victims were distracted.  The suspects then left the stores with the victim’s wallets and went to different stores.  The victim’s credit cards were then used to buy prepaid gift cards.

The suspects are part of a South American Theft Group (SATG) who have been working in groups across the United States.  They have been involved with several incidents in Kokomo, Indiana as well as in the States of Michigan, Ohio and Illinois.

On 17 April 2023, the Kokomo Police Department arrested 3 Chilean female suspects for charges including Theft, Fraud, and Racketeering.  The three females were identified as:

Mayorie Polet Fernandez-Ormeno, 34-years-old

Jennifer Elizabeth Valenzuela-Guajardo, 37-years-old

and Angie Fernandez-Mella, 24-years-old

These three females have been identified as being part of the South American Theft Group.  The suspects were driving a rented 2023 GMC Acadia, black in color, that had the license plate covered to avoid detection.  The suspects were in possession of fake identification from Puerto Rico, numerous credit cards, cash, and over $85,000 in prepaid gift cards.  They also had additional stolen property in possession related to criminal cases in Indiana, Tennessee and Oklahoma. 

Detectives have been working with local merchants to identify and locate the suspects.  The Kokomo Police Department was assisted by several loss prevention officers working at local box stores.

All 3 female suspects are currently being held in the Howard County Jail.

This case remains active for investigation.  Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Captain Bruce Rood at (765) 456-7332 or the Kokomo Police Department Hotline at (765) 456-7017.  You may qualify for a cash reward by calling Central Indiana Crime Stoppers at 1-800-262-TIPS with your anonymous tip.  Tips can also be submitted by utilizing the Tip411 app, or you can always report tips anonymously by downloading the "Kokomo PD" mobile app from the iOS or Google Play stores.  You can also text a tip to us by texting TIPKPD, then a space, then your tip, and send it to 847411. 

Remember all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Alert sent on 04/18/2023 at 4:49PM EDT

Angie Fernandez-Mella	Jennifer Elizabeth Valenzuela-Guajardo

Mayorie Polet Fernandez-Ormeno

To submit a tip via text message text TIPKPD and your tip to 847411

Alert delivered to the following groups: Kokomo Police Department, Crime Watch Group, Media Contact, and Pastors Group

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