Thursday, July 24, 2008

Woman Held in Invasion Robberies

By Hailey Heinz
Journal Staff Writer
      Police have made a fifth arrest in the case of a group accused of stealing more than $10,000 worth of cash and electronics while wearing bogus police gear.
    Marcelina Flores, 20, was arrested Wednesday and charged with armed robbery, aggravated residential burglary, larceny, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and false imprisonment. According to the warrant for her arrest, she admitted to officers that she had driven the other suspects to at least one home invasion.
    Steven, Adan, Javier and Luciano Torres, believed to be either brothers or cousins, have all been arrested in connection with the case. According to criminal complaints, the four men have invaded four homes around town since June 13, all while wearing T-shirts that said "police," as well as black gloves and ski masks.
    Police have issued a warrant for Brian Lee Torres, who is believed to be the ringleader, and were still looking for him Wednesday.
    The home invasions took place on June 13 at 4009 Zorro SE; June 25 at 407 Hazeldine SW; June 27 at 710 Kathryn SE; and on July 4 at 1808 Desert Breeze SW, Albuquerque police spokeswoman Nadine Hamby said.
    Flores, who had previously been charged with fraud and shoplifting, was being held Wednesday at the Metropolitan Detention Center on a $75,000 bond.
    Steven, Adan and Luciano were all being held Wednesday on a $500,000 bond, charged with the same crimes as Flores. Javier was being held on a $500 bond and charged only with tampering with evidence, although Hamby said more charges against him are likely.
    The four men were arrested Monday.
   

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