Posted on: August 01, 2026 07:00 PM

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State Police announce arrests in organized retail theft investigation

The New York State Police, in partnership with the Queens County District Attorney’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations, announced the arrests of two individuals following a months-long investigation into an alleged organized retail theft and fencing operation.

Maria “Glenny” Betances, 47, of Valley Stream, and Leslie Cruz, 24, of East Elmhurst, were charged with:

Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the second degree

Attempted Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the second degree

Grand Larceny in the third degree

Conspiracy in the fourth degree

Betances was additionally charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

Betances was arraigned on July 24, 2026, and ordered to return to court on September 29, 2026. Cruz was arraigned on July 22, 2026, and was also ordered to return to court on September 29, 2026.

The investigation determined that Betances and Cruz allegedly operated a retail theft and fencing ring from residences in Valley Stream and East Elmhurst. Betances also operated a registered daycare from the Valley Stream residence.

Investigators allege the defendants directed individuals to steal specific merchandise, including cosmetics, clothing and other high-demand retail products, from stores in Queens, Staten Island, Nassau, Westchester and Rockland counties. The stolen merchandise was allegedly resold locally through social media platforms or shipped to the Dominican Republic for resale.

Between February and July 2026, investigators conducted multiple controlled sales of merchandise represented as stolen property to the defendants. The investigation included the execution of court-authorized search warrants on July 21, 2026, at the defendants’ residences.

At the Valley Stream location, investigators recovered more than 4,200 pieces of allegedly stolen and purported stolen merchandise, broken retail security devices, tools used to remove security devices and approximately $10,000 in cash.

At the East Elmhurst location, investigators recovered more than 100 pieces of allegedly stolen merchandise and approximately $20,000 in cash.

In total, investigators recovered more than 5,000 items with an estimated combined retail value exceeding $159,000.

The Organized Retail Theft Task Force, created and funded by Governor Kathy Hochul within the New York State Police, was integral to this investigation and supports efforts by district attorneys and local law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute organized retail theft cases.

The defendants are facing grand larceny, conspiracy and criminal possession of stolen property charges, including charges authorized under provisions included in the Fiscal Year 2025 Enacted Budget. Those changes strengthened New York’s larceny laws by allowing prosecutors to combine the value of merchandise stolen during separate incidents when the thefts are part of a common scheme or plan.

The Grand Larceny charge under Penal Law Section 155.35(3) stems from those amendments, which took effect on July 26, 2024.

“By supporting our district attorneys, the State Police and local law enforcement, we are stopping organized retail theft rings in their tracks and making stores safer for all,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “I commend District Attorney Katz, Superintendent James, and the investigators and members of the Organized Retail Theft Task Force for their work in holding these individuals accountable for their actions.”

“Organized retail theft operations harm businesses, increase costs for consumers and often extend across multiple jurisdictions,” said New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James. “This investigation demonstrates the importance of strong partnerships and coordinated enforcement. I commend the members of our Special Investigations Unit, the Queens District Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations and the Nassau County Police Department for their work to disrupt this alleged criminal enterprise and hold those responsible accountable.”

The investigation was conducted by the New York State Police Special Investigations Unit, the Queens County District Attorney’s Office Crime Strategies and Intelligence Bureau and Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Nassau County Police Department.

The investigation remains ongoing.

From NYSP