Guatemalan Nationals Sentenced in Retail Thefts Targeting RI Stores - Judge Orders Deportations

Guatemalan Nationals Sentenced in Retail Thefts Targeting RI Stores - Judge Orders Deportations

Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom for the District of Rhode Island announced Thursday that sentencing hearings for individuals convicted for their roles in a large-scale scheme to steal and re-sell high-value products from home improvement stores and other retailers in multiple states were completed in U.S. District Court in Providence. 

The defendants, all Guatemalan nationals present in the United States illegally and detained in federal custody since their arrest in April 2024, have been convicted and sentenced for their roles in the conspiracy that targeted the theft of building supplies, tools, and clothing.

 

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About Case

According to charging documents and information presented to the court, the four men were part of an organized group of as many as fifteen Guatemalan nationals who participated in 35 documented incidents of thefts at national home improvement and clothing retail outlets in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. 

The U.S Attorney's office said that members of the conspiracy stole, and at times re-sold, goods such as electrical wire, flooring, power tools, and other items of high value. However, it is believed that not all members of the group regularly participated in each of the theft operations.

The intended loss of the conspiracy is at least $280,000, said the U.S. Attorney's office. Court-authorized search warrants were executed on April 12, 2024, at residences in Cranston and Providence, resulting in the seizure of $11,000 worth of stolen goods and $83,000 in cash.

 

Sentences - and Deportations 

Abraham Dayger-Enrique, 25, and Jonathan Jose Amperez-Perez, 32, of Providence, were sentenced on Thursday by U.S. District Court Senior Judge William E. Smith to time served (eleven months). Smith also entered judicial orders of removal for both defendants, ordering them promptly removed from the United States to Guatemala.

Marvin Estuardo Morales De Paz, 30, of Cranston, a twice-deported Guatemalan national described in court documents as being “the most consistent member” of the conspiracy was sentenced in January to 30 months in federal prison. An immigration detainer has been lodged against Morales De Paz by ICE.

Sebastian Lajuj-Solomon, 31, of Providence, was sentenced in January to time served (nine months). Smith also ordered Lajuj-Soloman removed from the United States and he was deported to Guatemala in January 2025.

Abraham Dayger-Enrique, 25, and Jonathan Jose Amperez-Perez, 32, of Providence, were sentenced Thursday by Smith to time served (eleven months).  Smith also entered judicial orders of removal for both defendants, ordering them promptly removed from the United States to Guatemala.

Marvin Estuardo Morales De Paz, 30, of Cranston, a twice-deported Guatemalan national described in court documents as being “the most consistent member” of the conspiracy was sentenced in January to 30 months in federal prison. An immigration detainer has been lodged against Morales De Paz by ICE.

Sebastian Lajuj-Solomon, 31, of Providence, was sentenced in January to time served (nine months). Smith ordered Lajuj-Soloman removed from the United States. He was deported to Guatemala in January, 2025.