Seven Chilean Nationals Charged in Multistate Residential Burglary Scheme

Authorities allege an organized ring stole jewelry, handbags, and high-value goods worth over $100,000.

Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced charges against seven Chilean nationals accused of running an interstate burglary crew that targeted homeowners across multiple states. The defendants—Christofer Sanguesa Aguirre, Fabiana Prado Scatarzi, Santana Arturo Castillo Gonzalez, Felipe Andres Del Valle Munoz, Carlos Alfredo Calderon Valencia, Diego Antonio Calderon Leiva, and Pedro Alejandro Salgado Vallejos—were each charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to sell and receive stolen property that had crossed state lines and one count of receiving stolen property that had crossed state lines.

Appearances and Detentions

Sanguesa Aguirre and Castillo Gonzalez: Appeared January 15, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court and were detained.
Del Valle Munoz and Calderon Valencia: Appeared January 15, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Theresa L. Fricke in Tacoma, Washington, and were detained.
Calderon Leiva: Appeared January 15, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daryl F. Bloom in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and was detained.
Prado Scatarzi: Appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carol B. Whitehurst in Lafayette, Louisiana, and was detained.
Salgado Vallejos: Appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul G. Levenson in Boston, Massachusetts, and was detained.

"Residential burglaries have a traumatic and personal impact upon the people whose homes are violated. Seven Chilean nationals have been charged with conspiring to target homeowners in residential burglaries across multiple states from New Jersey to Massachusetts, resulting in the theft of expensive wristwatches, designer handbags, and thousands of dollars in cash. This office will continue to pursue those who commit these serious crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna.

Allegations and Investigation

According to court documents:

“The defendants were part of a sophisticated burglary ring that committed multiple residential burglaries in November 2024 in New Jersey and Massachusetts… resulting in losses totaling over $100,000.”

The stolen goods allegedly included large amounts of jewelry, watches, designer handbags, belts, perfumes, and currency. Tools commonly used to break into residences were also recovered.

Vehicle Search: Authorities recovered multiple items of stolen property from a vehicle the group was using, along with burglary tools.
Flight Across the Country: Following a vehicle stop, Del Valle Munoz and Calderon Valencia fled toward Seattle, Washington. They ended up at a residence in Carlton, Oregon, where law enforcement discovered more stolen jewelry, diamonds, watches, and additional burglary tools.

“We allege these men and women ransacked houses here in New Jersey and the East Coast, and then quickly traveled across the country, stealing over one hundred thousand dollars in valuables from private homes.” FBI-Newark Special Agent-in-charge Brian J. Driscoll, Jr. said. “These alleged criminals are part of South American theft groups who have been coming in and out of the United States for months. They hit an area and immediately disappear, using fake identifications and short-term rentals to evade getting caught. It’s like chasing ghosts. We put in a tremendous amount of hard work with incredible partner agencies from here to Oregon. We caught this group—and a warning to others, this doesn’t end here.”

Potential Penalties

Conspiracy to Sell or Receive Stolen Property: Maximum 5 years in prison, plus a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the offense amount.
Receipt of Stolen Property: Maximum 10 years in prison, plus a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the offense amount.

Public Assistance

Anyone who believes they may be a victim or has information regarding this theft group or related burglaries is asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI, submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov, or contact their local FBI field office.

All charges in the complaint are allegations only; each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.