A Miami woman has been accused of participating in a series of thefts, targeting popular beauty stores like Ulta Beauty, CVS, Publix, and Walgreens across 16 Florida counties.
The total value of the stolen products exceeds $75,000. The woman, Angela Rodriguez, 25, has been linked to 56 theft incidents, with the majority occurring in Palm Beach Gardens, where authorities focused their investigation.
The Palm Beach Gardens Police Department (PBGPD) led the investigation, working alongside Ulta Beauty’s Organized Retail Crime department.
Rodriguez, along with accomplices including a man named Howard Morraz, allegedly organized these thefts, making away with high-value items such as cosmetics, skincare products, and fragrances.
The investigation began in December 2023 and culminated in August 2024, when Rodriguez was arrested
Out of the 56 thefts, 43 took place in Palm Beach County alone. According to a probable cause affidavit, Rodriguez and her accomplices often posed as ordinary shoppers, entering stores and discreetly taking items without paying.
In one instance, Rodriguez was seen placing 73 items in her handbag and walking out of the store.
PBGPD compiled evidence using surveillance footage from the Auror website, a crime intelligence platform used by Ulta Beauty to prevent retail theft.
The footage captured Rodriguez and her team in action, unmasked and seemingly confident in their activities.
In one case, Rodriguez reportedly threatened an Ulta employee in Osceola County who offered to help her find items, saying, “Stop looking at me, or I’m going to punch you in the face.”
After taking the items, she would meet her accomplice in a getaway vehicle outside.
The police investigation revealed that Rodriguez and her group used rental cars from Sixt Titling Trust, which were acquired through a third party and paid for by Rodriguez via Cash App.
A search warrant executed on June 5 uncovered further evidence, linking Rodriguez’s cellphone to the locations and times of the thefts.
Rodriguez also used her Facebook account to sell stolen items on Facebook Marketplace.
Her internet history showed she was planning to target wholesaler businesses for beauty products in Miami-Dade County. Ulta Beauty reported a total loss of more than $75,000 over the course of eight months.
Her accomplice, Morraz, was arrested on June 29 at an Ulta store in St. Augustine for Grand Theft. He was sentenced to 150 days in county jail and was released in October.
During his time in jail, he made calls asking his brother to sell the stolen hair products so he could post bond.
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Rodriguez’s crime spree came to an end when she was pulled over by a Florida Highway Patrol Trooper on September 13 for having tinted windows.
The officer discovered there was a warrant for her arrest from Lake County on Grand Theft charges.
A search of her car revealed several stolen items, including a purse full of merchandise with price tags and antitheft devices still attached, along with Ulta tote bags filled with cosmetics and skincare products.
Rodriguez was booked into jail on October 21, the day before her 25th birthday, and is currently facing six counts of organized retail theft.
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.