UPS worker busted in SB

Special to the NEWS

A United Postal Service (UPS) employee was arrested earlier this week at his San Benito residence in connection with a theft scheme at the UPS Brownsville Distribution Center, according to the Cameron County District Attorney’s Office.

A news release issued by the Cameron County District Attorney’s Office read that, in collaboration with UPS Security and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the DA’s office sanctioned the arrest of 37-year-old Armando Garcia of San Benito.

Garcia was a UPS employee for five years and is facing charges of theft after authorities recovered more than $200,000 worth of stolen “luxury goods and electronics” from his Resaca City residence, according to the news release.

The DA’s office also states that UPS security alerted the Cameron County DA’s office of the missing high-value parcels. Investigators were able to track the stolen electronics to Garcia’s residence, leading law enforcement to obtain and execute a search warrant with HIS’s assistance.

Garcia was present at the time of the search and was taken into custody without incident. Additional arrests and charges are expected as the investigation continues, according to the news release.

Cameron County District Attorney Luis V. Saenz also praised the work of the CCDA Special Investigations Unit, stating, “I want to recognize and commend the Cameron County District Attorney Special Investigations Unit for accepting this case and conducting a thorough investigation, especially given that the United States Attorney’s Office and a local police agency had declined it. Their commitment to justice and protecting our community is commendable.”

Saenz condemned the theft, emphasizing the impact on businesses and consumers. “This was a deliberate and organized effort to steal high-value merchandise meant for paying customers. Crimes like this not only hurt businesses but also shake consumer confidence. Our Special Investigations Unit remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure those who engage in financial crimes are held accountable. Cameron County will not tolerate theft at any level.”

According to officials at the DA’s office, the stolen items also include luxury designer items such as Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Ferragamo, and Dior handbags, wallets, and accessories; Apple iPhones, Apple iPads, and various smartwatches; high-end jewelry and designer clothing; power tools and electronic accessories, and numerous UPS shipping bags containing discarded parcel boxes with original shipping labels.