League City, TX (July 24, 2026) – The League City Police Department’s Business District Unit (BDU) has successfully dismantled a major organized retail crime operation, resulting in the recovery of more than $400,000 in stolen merchandise (over 15,000 individual items) and the arrest of 52-year-old Claudia Ivonne Higuera-Torres of Houston.
The investigation began after officers responded to a theft report at Sephora at Kohl’s in League City on July 12, 2026. What initially appeared to be a routine retail theft quickly expanded into a complex, multi-jurisdictional investigation spanning numerous cities and several counties throughout the region.
As a result of the BDU’s investigation, Higuera-Torres was arrested on July 21, 2026, and charged with First Degree Felony Organized Retail Theft. Bond was set at $150,000; however, the judge denied release due to an ICE detainer.
Flock Safety cameras played a critical role throughout the investigation by helping the BDU identify vehicles associated with the organized retail theft operation, determine when League City businesses were being targeted, and connect related thefts occurring across multiple jurisdictions and retailers.
Assistant Chief Antley praised the BDU and partner agencies for their collaborative efforts.
“This investigation is a testament to the professionalism, determination, and investigative expertise of our Business District Unit. Organized retail crime impacts businesses, employees, and consumers throughout our communities. Through strong partnerships, advanced technology, and relentless investigative work, the BDU was able to identify those responsible and bring a significant criminal operation to an end.”
The League City Police Department also extends its sincere appreciation to the law enforcement agencies and retail partners whose collaboration was instrumental in the success of this investigation.
Law Enforcement Partners
- Pearland Police Department
- Houston Police Department
- Texas Department of Public Safety
Key Investigative and Retail Partners
- Texas Organized Retail Crime Association
- Gulf Coast Criminal Investigators Association
- Academy Sports + Outdoors
- Alo Ulta Beauty
- Bath & Body Works
- CVS Pharmacy
- The Home Depot
- Kohl’s
- lululemon
- Randalls
- Sephora
- Target
- TJ Maxx
- U-Haul
- Victoria’s Secret
- Walgreens
- Walmart
Organized retail crime affects businesses, employees, consumers, and entire communities. This investigation highlights what can be accomplished through strong partnerships, effective technology, and coordinated law enforcement efforts to protect businesses and hold offenders accountable.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional arrests and criminal charges are anticipated as investigators continue to identify and pursue those involved in this organized retail theft operation.
