Asian business owners targeted; thefts part of crime ring: police
WAUKESHA, Wis. - There's been a string of crimes throughout southeast Wisconsin, and police said Asian business owners are the target.
Surveillance video captured an SUV pulling up to a Waukesha home last June. The driver ditched the car, and three people inside took off running.
Waukesha police were already in the area. Someone in the home called 911 when he heard burglars stealing stuff downstairs. The trio got away.
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There was $654 in the vehicle and a "significant amount of Chinese currency." Investigators believe the trio targeted the home because it belonged to the owners of Feng's Kitchen. Along with the cash, inside the SUV, police found a list of other addresses. Police said the homeowners on the list are all of Asian descent – one in New Berlin, another in Brookfield and one the owner of a Chinese restaurant in Ohio.
Police in Ohio told Waukesha detectives they were investigating a similar incident where Asian business owners were targeted.
Surveillance footage from the home
Police said DNA found in the car was linked to John Valencia Rodallega of Norcross, Georgia. Waukesha County issued an arrest warrant for Rodallega on Feb. 7; he is still on the run.
Georgia police believe the trio in Waukesha is part of the "South American Theft Group," an organized crime ring that travels from state to state targeting Asian business owners.
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Investigators said the people involved use stolen Puerto Rican identities when they commit crimes. This week, Elkhorn police said they arrested two adults and a 16-year-old after a home burglary there.
Elkhorn police said the trio is also part of a group targeting Asian business owners, but could not make a connection to the Waukesha crime. Elkhorn police would only say they are aware of similar incidents throughout Wisconsin and Illinois.
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Elkhorn home burglary, 3 arrested after police chase
Three people, including a 16-year-old, were arrested after a home burglary occurred in Elkhorn and ended with a police chase into Lake Geneva.
Elkhorn police also said they reached out to other Asian business owners in the area to warn them about these crimes.
Waukesha police do not believe there is a connection between these cases. Waukesha County prosecutors charged Rodallega with burglary, resisting an officer and criminal damage to property.
Statement from AAPI Coalition of Wisconsin:
"On behalf of the Lao Community Center of Wisconsin, we are deeply troubled to learn about the recent string of burglaries that are believed to be targeting Asian business owners in the greater Milwaukee area. While the investigation is ongoing, we hope the Elkhorn Police find justice for the families and continue to protect the Asian-American & Pacific Islander community."