Below is Florida Attorney General James Usmeyer’s official statement regarding the recent arrest of an illegal immigrant suspected of carrying out a nationwide retail theft scheme.
Attorney General James Usmayer announced the arrest of Venezuelan nationals Willy Jesús Díaz Pelayo and Maicol Eduardo García Sánchez in connection with a nationwide retail theft scheme targeting Ulta Beauty stores.
“Bringing together local law enforcement and prosecutors across the state is why we created the Retail Theft Task Force,” said Attorney General James Usmayer. “Retail theft is not a victimless crime. When retailers are forced to raise prices, all consumers feel the impact. We will seek the harshest possible penalties for these offenders to protect businesses and consumers.”
This investigation was a joint effort between the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department, the Attorney General’s Office, which handles statewide prosecution, and the Florida Retail Theft Investigations Special Task Force.
Investigators found that from January 1, 2025 to November 28, 2025, Pelayo and Sanchez committed more than 40 thefts at Ulta Beauty stores across Florida, from Jacksonville to Miami. They posed as customers, hid expensive perfumes and colognes in their pants, and left without paying. Pelayo and Sanchez are involved in a spate of Ulta Beauty thefts across the country, totaling $166,000 in losses, including $47,000 in Florida.
Both men are Venezuelan nationals and in ICE custody, with Pelayo facing one count of second-degree organized retail theft and Sanchez facing two felonies.
The case will be prosecuted by Senior State Attorney Chris Olowin. Mr. Pelayo and Mr. Sanchez each face up to 15 years and up to 30 years in the Department of Corrections. Both men will be deported after completing their sentences.
