Stolen products from retail establishments in Maryland later shipped to Honduras
GREENBELT, Md. — An investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore, IRS Criminal Investigation in Washington, D.C., and the Montgomery County Police Department led to federal charges for three Maryland residents for conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen goods.
Sindy Paola Hernandez, 38, of Hyattsville; Johnsie Steven Reina Hernandez, 20, of Hyattsville; and Edwin Gonzalez Rodriguez, 30, of Hyattsville, received the federal charges Oct. 7 at the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland in Greenbelt. The three individuals allegedly received and shipped the stolen products internationally.
“This case serves as a poignant reminder of the persistent threat posed by organized retail theft and the extensive ramifications it carries for our communities,” said HSI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy. “The individuals implicated in this conspiracy not only exploited local businesses but also orchestrated a transnational scheme that undermines the integrity of our economy. Homeland Security Investigations remains resolutely committed to collaborating with our esteemed law enforcement partners to dismantle such criminal enterprises and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.”
HSI Baltimore, IRS Criminal Investigation and the Montgomery County Police Department launched the joint investigation in November 2022 after large-scale thefts occurred at several major retail stores in Maryland targeting premium skincare products, vitamins and cold-cough medicine. The investigation alleges that various individuals stole products and resold them to Sindy Paola Hernandez, who resided in Prince George’s County. Sindy Paola Hernandez, Johnsie Steven Reina Hernandez and Rodriguez allegedly stored and sorted the stolen goods at their residences and storage units before shipping the stolen products to Honduras.
HSI Baltimore’s Global Trade and National Security Investigations Group uses it unique authorities to identify, disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal organizations involved in organized retail crimes and other illicit activities that threaten the economy and security of the United States.
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.
Members of the public with information about criminal activity in your community are encouraged to contact the HSI Tip Line at 877-4-HSI-TIP.
Learn more about HSI Baltimore’s mission to increase public safety in our Maryland communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @HSIBaltimore.