Three people are accused in an organized retail theft scheme at local Lowe’s stores that ultimately led to them sending money to the Dominican Republic, according to police.
The trio used credit cards belonging to other people to make purchases in five counties and then pick up the ill-gotten goods at the stores, according to agents with the state attorney general’s office. The items — usually paint sprayers, electrical wire and generators — are typically known to be resold, police said.
The investigation started in mid-2025 with 11 transactions totaling about $23,000 at Lowe’s in Allegheny, Beaver, Indiana, Lancaster and Westmoreland counties — including the Hempfield, Frazer and Monroeville locations.
Agents said they were led to Willy Bueno, 41, of Columbus, Ohio, because of a similar investigation in that state, according to court papers.
Bueno, Angela Estepan-Cuevas, 32, and Desiree Tejeda, 34, also of Columbus, were listed as authorized pickup persons on the fraudulent orders, police said. A review of Bueno’s cellphone showed information about picking up orders at Lowe’s stores and money transfers to the Dominican Republic, according to court papers.
On the phone, there were images of large storage spaces with numerous items in them.
Estepan-Cuevas was arraigned Thursday and was denied bail. She was being held at the Westmoreland County Prison. Arrest warrants have been issued for the other two suspects.
All three are charged with corrupt organizations, conspiracy, receiving stolen property and related offenses.
None had attorneys listed in online court records.
