KCSO reports Organized Retail Crime Bust

From  Kimberly Glenn, KCSO Communications Director 

On Wednesday, December 6, detectives with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office Organized Retail Crime Unit, with the assistance of Alcoa Police, stopped a vehicle with three individuals traveling throughout Knox County all day stealing baby formula.

After receiving information from a victimized Knoxville retailer, the vehicle was spotted by an Alcoa PD lieutenant traveling on 129. After stopping the vehicle, multiple cans of baby formula were observed in plain view. A probable cause search of the vehicle revealed over $12,000 (450 cans) in stolen baby formula, most from Knoxville retailers.

Three individuals, Diego Tierrablona Galvon of Dallas, Ana Sanchez Balderas of Dallas, and Nancy Espinosa of Atlanta, were all arrested and charged with Theft over $10,000 and violation of the Organized Retail Crime Prevention Act.

The stealing and reselling of infant formula is a dangerous act. These items are often “cut” with other additives, repackaged, and sold as more expensive items. The formula can also be stored in hot/cold or damp locations, affecting the formula’s integrity and causing babies to become extremely ill. If you witness any suspicious activity, contact your local law enforcement agency.

This is an active and ongoing criminal investigation.  KCSO detectives cannot comment or make any additional statements besides what is contained in this release.