LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — An officer that was arrested in an organized crime theft ring in May will not face prosecution. The Clark County District Attorney decided against Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department's request to prosecute this officer.
An arrest report from LVMPD on May 21 shows Samuelito Quijano was arrested in connection to a theft ring involving home improvement stores.
The police investigation requested charges of burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, and organized retail theft to be brought against him, but those charges have been denied by Steve Wolfson, Clark County District Attorney.
ORIGINAL STORY: Las Vegas police officer arrested as part of theft ring
Steve Grammas, the Las Vegas Police Protective Association president, said there are many reasons why this could happen.
“The officers may have a probable cause to make the arrest, but when the courts look at it in a grander legal eye it can change that perspective and the fact of proving beyond a reasonable doubt, did that person commit that crime,” said Grammas.
Five other people were also arrested in May. They include Kristine Quijano, 30; Ranjit Quijano, 29; Edward Silvestre, 50; Alejandro Delacruz, 40; and Enrico Ronquillo, 41.
According to the arrest report for the police officer, Kristine Quijano is his sister. His relation to Ranjit Quijano was not listed.
The arrest report also says that Ranjit and Kristine Quijano confessed to the crimes but Ronquillo denied involvement even though he was seen on surveillance video and another suspect identified him as the ringleader.
In addition to Home Depot, the thieves hit other stores including Seafood City, Lowes, Costco, Target, and Walmart stores.
Kristine Quijano allegedly told detectives that her brother knew about the crimes and reportedly requested certain items that he purchased at a discounted rate. He also reportedly said in reference to the crimes, “I don’t care. As long as you don’t get caught, it’s to you.”
Detectives also viewed multiple text messages between the police officer and his sister that included information about what he wanted, including patio furniture, a swing, a projector and screen, a blender, and more.
“More than just the police officers’ eyes look in a case when it gets to the district attorney... the prosecutors, the city attorney’s they look at it through their lenses as well and no one, in any case, should pass judgment of anybody until all facts of the case are released,” Grammas said.
“The department put this officer on leave, the department charged this officer with probable cause for whatever case he has, they did their part, then it goes to the justice system through the courts, when the courts and the District Attorney get involved, they make their decision,” explained Grammas.
The district attorney’s office said if new information comes to light, they can review the case further if necessary.
Quijano has been an officer with LVMPD since 2017. He was placed on administrative leave without pay at the time of his arrest. His current status is unknown.
THE DAILY DEBRIEF: Reporter Abel Garcia and Jason Dinant talk more about this story
