AG announces prison time for habitual retail thief in Sandoval County

ALBUQUERQUE — A Second Judicial District Court judge on Oct. 29 accepted a plea agreement secured by New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez against Angel Cedeno, a habitual retail crime offender who has shoplifted numerous times across three counties, including Sandoval.

Cedeno, 67, pleaded guilty to organized retail crime following seven felony convictions of shoplifting and commercial burglary in instances that occurred between 2011-20. According to the agreement, Cedeno will serve anywhere from four to 12 years in prison for tens of thousands of dollars in retail theft followed by two years of parole and will be required to pay restitution.

According to the announcement, Cedeno targeted Home Depot and Lowe's locations in Sandoval, Bernalillo and Valencia counties in 50 separate incidents. However, he has criminal history dating back to the 1970s, it states.

“Retail crime affects New Mexicans every day — from higher prices to products being locked behind cages — and even dangerous encounters in parking lots,” Torrez said in a news release. “Our Organized Retail Crime Unit is dedicated to identifying these habitual offenders wreaking havoc on our retail businesses in New Mexico and prosecuting them to the fullest extent of the law. Our office will not tolerate those who steal retail goods, affecting business owners and everyday New Mexicans.”

In addition to pleading guilty to the charges, Cedeno agreed not to enter Home Depot or Lowe's locations.

Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 11.