2 Men Accused In 70+ Retail Thefts Around San Jose

SAN JOSE, CA — Investigators in San Jose allege two men are responsible for more than 70 retail thefts across San Jose, netting more than $75,000 worth of merchandise.

An investigation by the police department's financial crimes unit connected the pair to dozens of crimes between July and January, hitting businesses including Target, Nike, REI, Best Buy and Dicks Sporting Goods. Detectives said the men would load up expensive merchandise and flee in a waiting vehicle.

Police on Wednesday identified the suspects as Jamie Flores, 46, and Thomas Sapiniso, 37, both of San Jose.

Officials said Flores was arrested in mid-December after stealing from Westgate Mall. On Jan 31, detectives secured a warrant for Sapinoso's arrest, who was already jailed for an unrelated incident in Sunnyvale, according to police. Both men face multiple charges related to organized retail theft.

City leaders credited an $8.4 million state grant funding the organized retail theft detail that helped solve the case.

"Our police department is working hard to make sure our business owners and shoppers are safe, and that those who are committing crimes are held accountable," said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan. "The additional resources provided by the Retail Theft Grant San Jose received are starting to show results — but it'll take more than one grant to get to the root of the problem."