Dominican Women Charged in New York International Theft Ring

María "Glenny" Betances, 47, and her 24‑year‑old daughter Lesli Cruz were indicted in Queens, New York, for operating a cross‑border theft network that stole high‑demand merchandise from stores such as Marshalls, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, CVS and Ulta Beauty. The stolen goods, valued at about $160,000, were stored in the women’s homes and sold locally via social media, with additional items shipped to the Dominican Republic for resale.

Authorities recovered more than 5,000 stolen items and $30,000 in cash from the residences. Betances also faces a charge of endangering a minor for running a home‑based daycare, "Smile Bright," while the theft operation was conducted. Both defendants were arraigned in July; Betances is scheduled to return to court on 29 September and Cruz on 22 July. If convicted, each faces a prison term of five to fifteen years.