In April 2023, the Kokomo Police Department released information regarding the arrest of three adult females who were part of a South American Theft Group (SATG).  This was part of an ongoing investigation that had begun in January 2022.

On April 1, 2023, a report of one male suspect and two female suspects was initiated after they were accused of stealing a wallet from a Kokomo resident.  The suspects then used stolen credit cards in the wallet to purchase gift cards from another store in Kokomo.  The suspects activity was discovered by store managers, and the suspects fled the scene when they were confronted.  A vehicle description was provided to local law enforcement as well as agencies from jurisdictions in surrounding states investigating the same type of crime.

On April 4th, 2023, several mid-Michigan agencies worked a joint investigation and was able to apprehend the same three responsible for this recent Kokomo Police Department case.  All three are a part of the South American Theft Group (SATG). They are currently in the Isabella County Michigan jail. Arrest warrants have been issued by Howard County Circuit Court for all three individuals for Fraud, Theft and Corrupt Business Influence.

The three suspects were identified as follows:

Ecsal Erasmo Perez, 43-years-old, of Guatemala

Macarena Andrea Faundez Gonzales, 28-years-old, of Chile

Paulina Diaz Gonzales, 31-years-old, of Chile

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 05/18/2023 at 3:52PM EDT

Escal Erasmo Perez	Macarena Andrea Faundez Gonzales

Paulina Diaz Gonzales

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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