Delaware State Police have arrested Cesar Alzate-Valencia, 37, of Elmhurst, New York, and Lina Martinez-Aristizabal, 31, of Corona, New York, on charges connected to a series of thefts.
Officials said the thefts involved Apple products from vehicles in New Castle County. These incidents occurred on January 17, January 27, and February 26, 2024, following purchases from the Apple store within the Christiana Mall located at 125 Christiana Mall, Newark.
The Investigation showed that after purchasing Apple products, victims were followed to their subsequent destinations. Once the victims left their vehicles unattended, the pair, using a pry bar-like tool, broke into the vehicles to steal the newly purchased Apple products before fleeing in different vehicles for each incident according to police.
A breakthrough in the investigation came when detectives from Troop 2 Criminal Investigations identified a 2010 black Nissan Rogue with Mississippi registration as one of the suspect vehicles. On April 1, 2024, this vehicle was located parked at the Christiana Mall, leading to a traffic stop and the apprehension of Alzate-Valencia and Martinez-Aristizabal. Subsequent investigations confirmed Alzate-Valencia’s involvement in all three incidents, while Martinez-Aristizabal was linked to the theft on February 26, 2024 police said.
Following their arrest, both individuals were charged with several offenses. Alzate-Valencia’s charges include three counts each of Burglary 3rd Degree, Theft $1,500 or Greater, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, Possession of Burglar Tools, and Criminal Mischief. He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11 and was placed in Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $16,500 secured bond. Court records show that he has since bonded out. He has a first appearance in court on Tuesday.
Martinez-Aristizabal faces charges of Burglary 3rd Degree, Theft $1,500 or Greater, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, Possession of Burglar Tools, and Criminal Mischief. She was arraigned by the same court and is being held at Delores J. Baylor Correctional Institution on a $7,500 secured bond.