New Jersey Authorities Detain New York City Residents from Roosevelt Hotel in Shoplifting and Drug Bust

By Pennie Spruill Last updated Feb 24, 2024

In a significant development, three individuals residing in New York City’s Roosevelt Hotel found themselves in trouble with the law after a traffic stop in Wayne, New Jersey, led to their arrest for shoplifting and drug possession. The suspects, identified as Dugleidy Gonzalez-Riera, 28, Yefferson Prieto-Galviz, 23, and Morelis Blanco-Cineros, 41, were apprehended on Valentine’s Day following a routine traffic check.

During the stop, law enforcement officers discovered drugs and stolen merchandise in the suspects’ vehicle. Detective Dan Daly of the WPD revealed that a search uncovered ecstasy pills, drug paraphernalia, and a significant quantity of stolen items from prominent retailers such as Ulta, Kohl’s, JC Penney, and Macy’s. The total value of the stolen goods amounted to a staggering $5,300.

The traffic stop was initiated after police noticed the suspects’ vehicle tailgating another car, with one occupant observed without a seat belt. Upon further investigation, it was revealed that none of the individuals possessed a valid driver’s license or could communicate effectively in English. Furthermore, authorities determined that the license plate affixed to the vehicle did not match its registration.

Among the stolen items recovered from the vehicle were clothing articles from Ulta Beauty, a popular retail destination frequently targeted by shoplifters. Subsequent coordination with the retailer confirmed that similar items had been reported stolen earlier that day, leading to the arrest of the suspects.

The defendants now face a slew of charges, including shoplifting, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and receiving stolen property. Prieto-Galviz and Blanco-Cineros have also been charged with obstructing arrest, further complicating their legal situation.

All three suspects were residents of the Roosevelt Hotel, a landmark establishment in Midtown Manhattan that has been repurposed as a migrant shelter. Concerns regarding the likelihood of the suspects absconding before trial prompted authorities to detain them in Passaic County Jail pending detention hearings.

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This incident underscores the challenges associated with managing migrant populations and the broader implications for local law enforcement agencies. The Roosevelt Hotel, leased by New York City from Pakistan last June for $220 million, has faced numerous issues since transitioning into a shelter for migrants. As authorities navigate these complex issues, ensuring public safety and upholding the rule of law remain paramount objectives in maintaining community well-being.