2 California men arrested in Virginia in connection to thefts at high-end stores across 7 states

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. ( DC News Now ) — Detectives said they arrested two men in Tysons who are part of a high-end retail theft ring operating in states across the country.

In a news conference on Aug. 15, the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) said the group, known as the “Airpod Crew,” is responsible for hitting boutiques in seven states including Texas, California, New York and Virginia. Police said members of the group use Airpods to communicate and disguise what they are doing.

On July 19, just after 5:30 p.m., detectives were notified of a vehicle, known to be driven by members of the group, in the Tysons area.

A short time later, police located and arrested two men from California, 24-year-old Javier Velasco Puebla and 19-year-old Kevin Brian Espinoza.

According to detectives, the theft group is linked to about $170,000 in total losses from high-end retailers. That includes about $35,000 of losses in Fairfax County.

Puebla was charged with three counts of Grand Larceny, three counts of Conspiring to Commit Larceny, two counts of Stolen Property with Intent to Sell, and Possession of Burglarious Tools.

Espinoza was charged with two counts of Grand Larceny, Conspiring to Commit Larceny, two counts of Stolen Property with Intent to Sell, and Possession of Burglarious Tools.

Police took the men to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. Each was released on a $2,500 unsecured bond.

Detectives with FCPD’s Criminal Investigation Division said they still were searching for other members of the group and released pictures of them.

Police encouraged anyoine who could identify the people to call 703-246-7800 and select Option 5.

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