The San Antonio Police Department successfully disrupted a major vehicle theft operation.
Victor Valenciana, a 30-year-old from San Antonio, has been sentenced for his role in a theft ring that targeted Ford pickup trucks and stole over 100 firearms. The operation lasted six months and involved renting vehicles and swapping license plates to evade arrest. Following a 17-count indictment, Valenciana and his co-conspirators are now facing significant prison time, highlighting the effectiveness of local law enforcement in combatting such crimes.
In the vibrant city of San Antonio, a 30-year-old man named Victor Valenciana has recently faced the music for his involvement in a notorious vehicle theft operation that had residents shaking their heads. This group wasn’t just any run-of-the-mill band of thieves; they had a particular penchant for stealing Ford pickup trucks and caused quite a stir between July 2021 and January 2022.
During this six-month crime spree, the theft ring not only targeted Ford pickups but also executed a series of brazen vehicle burglaries resulting in the theft of more than 100 firearms. It’s a staggering number that showcases just how bold these criminals were. They frequented areas where people gathered, mostly parking lots of retail establishments, shopping malls, and even restaurants.
To pull off their heists without raising too much suspicion from law enforcement, the gang had a sneaky trick up their sleeves. They would rent vehicles to use for their break-ins, making it harder for authorities to track them. But that’s not all—these crafty criminals would also swipe license plates from vehicles that looked similar so that when they rolled up to commit their crimes, they appeared just like any other driver parked there!
The breaking point for this crime ring came when, on October 5, 2022, Valencian and his four co-conspirators found themselves facing a hefty 17-count indictment. The charges were serious and included conspiracy to receive and possess stolen firearms, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a stolen firearm. Talk about unyielding law enforcement!
The gang wasn’t just a one-man show; it comprised several individuals who all didn’t seem to grasp the enormity of their actions. Alongside Valenciana, his co-conspirators included Alejandro Arias (26), Richard Hernandez (26, also known as Panek), Andrew Blue Riojas (26), and Aureliano Villareal (28, who goes by AJ). All of these individuals found themselves facing a similar fate; in the previous year, they received a collective total of 53 years in federal prison!
Things took a turn for Valenciana when he was arrested on November 17, 2022. Fast forward to August 14, 2024, and he pled guilty to conspiracy and felony possession of a firearm charges, sealing his fate along with his accomplices.
The San Antonio Police Department, under the leadership of Chief William McManus, took this case very seriously. Their dedication, paired with the support from federal partners, played a significant role in cutting down on vehicle burglaries—particularly those targeting firearms within the community. With the illegal activities of this ambitious theft ring addressed, San Antonio residents can breathe a little easier, knowing that justice has prevailed.
As the dust settles on this dramatic case, it’s important to remember how vital community cooperation and vigilant law enforcement can be in combating crime. Where once there was a band of thieves roaming the streets, now there stands a reminder that crime does not pay, and the San Antonio community is stronger together.
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