Two arrested in organized retail theft scheme

Two Rio Rancho men have been arrested in what authorites belive to be a local organized retail theft scheme.

Officers with the Rio Rancho Police Department have arrested Andres Soto-Acosta, 35, and Johnny Cortez, 33, of Rio Rancho, April 1 at the Walgreens at Northern and Unser Boulevards.

According to the criminal complaint filed by police, from Feb. 19 to April 1, Cortez and Soto-Acosta collaborated in a shoplifting scheme. Cortez acted as a getaway driver while Soto-Acosta entered Walgreens stores and filled duffle bags with bottles of alcohol before leaving the store. The thefts were always quick and ended within minutes. Police identified the men by the video surveillance.

In an interview with police, Soto-Acosta admitted to the pilfering, and Cortez admitted to driving the car.

Both men will serve up to nine years in prison if convicted.