Thread: Hillsboro (Oregon) Police Bust Mexico Fencing Operation

Hillsboro police bust Mexico fencing operation

http://www.oregonlive.com/washingtoncou ... ico_f.html

by John Snell, The Oregonian
Friday August 22, 2008, 11:32 AM

HILLSBORO - A fencing operation that allegedly would gather merchandise shoplifted in Oregon and take it to Mexico for resale was raided yesterday by Hillsboro police.

Those involved in the operation would buy stolen property from drug users and thieves. Most of the fenced property was shoplifted from businesses in the area, said Lt. Michael Rouches, spokesman for the Hillsboro Police Department.

The raid was conducted at 6 a.m. at a duplex at 1045 and 1047 S.E. Maple St., Rouches said. During the search, police recovered 130 pairs of new shoes and clothing - both in sizes for adults and children - and home decor items all of which had been taken from local stores.
In all, about $5,000 in merchandise was recovered in Thursday's raid.

Rouches said a pickup truck was at the duplex and loaded with merchandise ready to be driven to Mexico.

"We know they had made prior trips like this to Mexico," he said. "Reasonable suspicion says that if they did it before, it's likely that's how they operate."

Rouches said $9,000 in cash was recovered at the duplex, which police believe came from earlier fencing runs to Mexico.

Epimenio Osegueda-Ochoa, 32, and his wife, Leticia Melgoza De Osegueda, 30, were arrested and held in the Washington County Jail on accusations of first-degree theft and theft by receiving. Francisco Javier Osegueda, 36, was accused of possession of a forged instrument and identity theft. A fourth person, Maria Ochoa De Osegueda, 60, was issued a citation for theft by receiving.

Rouches said the husband and wife lived on one side of the duplex. The other side was occupied by Francisco Javier Osegueda, who is the husband's brother, and Maria Ochoa De Osegueda, who is his mother.

Rouches said four minor children were taken into protective custody, due to the unsanitary conditions at the duplex.

- John Snell;
johnsnell@news.oregonian.com

A call to the Washington County Sheriff Office confirms that three of the four suspects are currently on ICE holds for suspicion of being in the US illegally.

Family values meets clothing and housewares departments.

Rouches said four minor children were taken into protective custody, due to the unsanitary conditions at the duplex.

Sounds like a bunch of Druggies doing jobs Americans want do