A multi-state retail theft ring responsible for allegedly stealing over $250,000 in merchandise from Ulta Beauty stores has been dismantled following a joint investigation between Shelby Township Police and Ohio law enforcement.
On January 10, 2025, Shelby Township police responded to a retail fraud report at the Ulta Beauty store located at 7728 26 Mile Road.
Store management informed officers that three women had entered the store and left with approximately $6,000 worth of unpaid inventory, according to a news release.
The case was assigned to the Shelby Township Special Investigation Unit (SIU), which utilized FLOCK surveillance cameras to track a vehicle believed to be connected to the crime. The same vehicle was later identified near other Ulta Beauty locations in different jurisdictions, raising suspicions of a larger operation.
A recent FLOCK camera alert placed the suspect vehicle near Toledo, Ohio. Shelby Township detectives coordinated with local Ohio law enforcement. This collaboration led to the successful detention of the three suspects: Nayely De Los Santos-Arana of New Jersey, Brenda Ampudia-Tocto of New York, and Evelyn Romero-Berrospi of New Jersey. Upon their arrest, officers discovered additional stolen merchandise inside the vehicle.
Further investigation linked the suspects to similar thefts at Ulta Beauty stores on Hall Road in Shelby Township, as well as locations in Troy, Lapeer, and Toledo.
The suspects were extradited to Michigan, where they were formally charged on January 30, 2025, at the 41-A District Court. They face the following charges:
1. Retail Fraud – 1st Degree
2. Organized Retail Crime
The investigation remains ongoing.
