Four Chileans busted in a national burglary ring

CARLTON, OR — A sprawling investigation into a multi-state burglary operation recently culminated in Carlton, a small town nestled just outside McMinnville, Oregon. Law enforcement officials, both local and federal, apprehended four men suspected of being part of a sophisticated burglary ring that primarily targeted homes on the East Coast. The suspects, identified as Chilean nationals, were taken into custody earlier this month.

The investigation, which stretched across state lines and international borders, has revealed ties outside the United States. Authorities were led to the suspects following a vehicle stop on the East Coast, which uncovered a cache of stolen items. The group allegedly took off across the country, ending up in Seattle before making their way to Oregon.

In Carlton, the suspects rented an Airbnb, using false identities to blend into the quiet community. The men reportedly amassed over $100,000 in luxury goods, including designer handbags, jewelry, and watches, during their crime spree. The investigation revealed that the men used short-term rentals and fake identities to evade capture, making the pursuit by law enforcement akin to chasing ghosts.

The unraveling of this case began on January 8, when the authorities intercepted a vehicle linked to the thefts. Following the trail from the East Coast, the suspects were tracked to the Pacific Northwest, where they attempted to lay low in the Oregon countryside. The arrest was a significant breakthrough in the drawn-out investigation, which had been closely monitored by the FBI due to its international connections.

A former prosecutor, whose car was unknowingly rented by the suspects, initially assumed the case was drug-related. However, after being informed that his vehicle was being held for the FBI, he realized the gravity of the situation. The car was eventually returned to him without a scratch.

The suspects, along with three other men, now face charges of conspiracy to sell or receive stolen property, as well as receipt of stolen property. These charges could lead to a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison if convicted. The unraveling of this burglary ring marks a significant victory for law enforcement, highlighting the challenges of pursuing international crime syndicates operating on American soil.