Attorney General James Uthmeier has announced the arrests of Willy Jesus Diaz Pelayo and Maikol Eduardo Garcia Sanchez, both Venezuelan nationals, for their involvement in a retail theft operation targeting Ulta Beauty stores across the United States.
According to investigators, between January 1 and November 28, 2025, Pelayo and Sanchez committed more than 40 thefts at Ulta Beauty locations throughout Florida, from Jacksonville to Miami. The suspects reportedly posed as customers, concealed high-value perfumes and colognes in their clothing, and left the stores without paying. Authorities link them to similar thefts nationwide that resulted in $166,000 in losses overall, including $47,000 in Florida.
“Bringing together local law enforcement and our Statewide Prosecutors is why we launched the Retail Theft Special Task Force,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Retail theft is not a victimless crime; every consumer feels the effects when retailers are forced to raise their prices. We will push for the toughest penalties possible on these criminals to protect businesses and consumers.”
The investigation was conducted jointly by the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department, the Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution, and Florida’s Retail Theft Investigative Special Task Force. The Florida State Executive Attorney General collaborates with law enforcement through initiatives such as special task forces and campaigns like Back the Blue Campaign (https://www.myfloridalegal.com/).
Pelayo faces one count of second-degree Organized Retail Theft while Sanchez faces two counts of the same charge. Both have Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers placed on them. Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Chris Olowin will prosecute the case. If convicted, Pelayo could serve up to 15 years in prison and Sanchez up to 30 years; both face deportation after serving their sentences.
The Florida State Executive Attorney General provides resources for community safety statewide (https://www.myfloridalegal.com/) and focuses on protecting residents from fraud through education efforts and consumer alerts (https://www.myfloridalegal.com/). The office also operates programs aimed at public service and consumer protection across Florida (https://www.myfloridalegal.com/).