Three Arrested for $20,000 Organized Retail Theft at Albuquerque Ulta

Albuquerque Police Arrest Three in Organized Retail Theft Scheme

Three people face criminal charges following an alleged shoplifting operation targeting a beauty retail store across Albuquerque, according to an investigation detailed by the Albuquerque Journal. Police records state the group walked away with roughly $20,000 in cosmetics and fragrances over a span of six weeks.

The arrests highlight an organized theft scheme. Investigators charge that the suspects worked in tandem, utilizing an Ulta bag and a large tote bag and making a coordinated exit.

How the Six-Week Shoplifting Scheme Unfolded

The operation began taking shape in late spring, according to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court. Investigators outline a pattern where the suspects targeted specific retail locations, often ignoring intervention attempts by employees and security personnel.

The first alleged incident occurred on May 22 at the Ulta Beauty store located at 8810 Holly NE. Court documents state that Brittany Fuentes and Regina Clavery entered the store around 5 p.m., filled an Ulta bag and a large tote bag with cosmetics and fragrances, and made a coordinated exit. A store manager estimated the value of the missing merchandise at $2,580. Investigators report that Ronald Martinez entered the store before the women, acting as what was consistent with a lookout before the group drove away.

On May 27, the women returned to the same location. Store staff and security attempted to speak to them after the pair allegedly took $3,198 worth of merchandise, but the suspects reportedly ignored them.

The pattern continued into June. Fuentes allegedly entered the same location alone on June 4, walking out with $1,000 in goods while ignoring staff members and security who attempted to stop her. Around 7:30 p.m. on June 19, the group visited the Ulta Beauty branch situated at 10420 Coors Bypass NW, where they reportedly made off with $3,544 worth of cosmetics and fragrances.

Shortly under three days later, the women came back to the Ulta store, where security guards recognized them and instructed them to depart the premises. The suspects disregarded security and allegedly took $800 in items. The group returned to the Ulta Beauty in Northeast Albuquerque on June 24 and July 5, during which court documents allege the pair took $11,574 worth of goods.

Charges and Current Legal Status

Law enforcement and prosecutors have moved to detain or restrict the accused as the legal process moves forward through Metropolitan Court.

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Regina Clavery, 44, was arrested October 4 and subsequently indicted by a grand jury on one count of organized retail theft alongside multiple charges of shoplifting and conspiracy to commit shoplifting. Prosecutors filed a pretrial detention motion arguing that her repeated actions impacted staff, customers, and store security. A pretrial detention motion filed in her case states that holding the defendant in custody until trial remains the sole way to protect the victims and the community.

Brittany Fuentes, 39, faces a charge of organized retail theft. She was arrested and booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center on a Wednesday. Court records show she does not yet have an attorney.

Ronald Martinez, 49, faces a charge of organized retail theft. He was released on his own recognizance on October 13.

Legal representatives for Martinez and Clavery did not respond to phone calls seeking comment on the allegations.