A loss prevention officer for the Gap was working on a training program at the Woodbury Commons when he and other members of his team reportedly observed the three individuals dumping merchandise in the rear of a vehicle parked in the mall parking lot.
Police say they then put the suspects under surveillance and observed them take merchandise from the Tommy Hilfiger store in booster bags.
They also stated the lost the vehicle after it left the Commons, deciding the suspects would most likely continue their shoplifting spree by going to the Palisades Center Mall.
Officers assigned to the Palisades Mall did observe the vehicle in the parking lot.
It was put under surveillance and, after a short period of time, officers observed the suspects return to the vehicle with booster bags filled with merchandise.
The vehicle was stopped as the trio attempted to leave the mall.
Authorities say 23-year-old John Espinosa, 19-year-old Kenny Molina and 22-year-old Luis Roldan were arrested and charged with criminal possession of stolen property, grand larceny, conspiracy, possession of burglar tools and criminal possession of anti-security device.
