HEBRON — They were traveling heavy.

        In 15 pieces of luggage checked by five people, airport police found more than $50,000 worth of stolen clothing from stores such as Ann Taylor, Talbots, Abercrombie & Fitch and Eddie Bauer and arrested two people suspected of being part of a New York City shoplifting ring.

Dave Osborne and Mareka Scott, airport police detectives, look through some of the clothing seized Friday. (Patrick Reddy photo) | ZOOM |

        Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport police said they arrested New York resident Jorge A. Nakano, also known as Jose Rodriguez, 22, and New Jersey resident Tasha L. Mercado, 23, when they tried to pick up suitcases and duffel bags Tuesday.

        More than 1,100 articles of clothing — such as men's polo shirts, women's dress clothes and children's apparel — were recovered. The clothes, which still had price and security tags attached, were stuffed in the suitcases and duffel bags, some of which appeared to be new.

        “I have no doubt they are an organized, working ring of shoplifters,” Lt. Kevin Murphy said.

        Also in one of the suitcases were several gift bags, which police say were rigged to deactivate the security tags.

Nakano

Mercado

        Lt. Murphy said two other suspects fled from the airport and probably escaped in a vehicle that a fifth suspect was driving. He said police do not know their identities and believe they are using false IDs.

        Police have tracked the clothing to stores as far away as Lexington. Police are contacting area stores to determine if they are missing some of the recovered clothing.

        Only two stores, Talbots and Ann Taylor in Lexington, have claimed some of the stolen items.

        Florence Police Chief Tom Kathman said it is fairly common for criminals to find a way around security devices used by clothing stores.

        “We've known about those bags for a while,” he said. “We are starting to see them more and more.”

        Mr. Nakano and Ms. Mercado are charged with felony counts of receiving stolen property over $300 and misdemeanor counts of complicity to receive stolen property. Mr. Nakano was also charged with a felony count of possessing a forged instrument.

        The two were taken to the Boone County jail and have preliminary hearings at 1 p.m. Monday.
       

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