Flock cameras invite criticism, vandalism despite law enforcement support
License plate readers have been attacked nationwide, and a growing number of cities have abandoned their use of the controversial police technology.
Two people who police say entered the country illegally and stole thousands in cosmetics across the country were charged in Macomb County, officials said.
Richard Parziale-Molina, 26, and Paula Vera-Rodriguez, 18, were arraigned Thursday in 41-A District Court in Shelby Township, according to court records.
Both are charged with organized retail crime, court records and Shelby Township police said.
A magistrate set bond for each defendant at $50,000 and scheduled their next court hearing for Oct. 1, according to the court.
Court records did not list attorneys for Parziale-Molina and Vera-Rodriguez on Tuesday. However, the filings said both have asked the court to appoint counsel.
If convicted, each faces up to five years in prison.
How they were caught
Shelby Township police said officers were called to an Ulta Beauty store on Sept. 1 for a report of merchandise theft. Employees told officers a man and woman entered the store, selected items, and left without paying, according to authorities. The total value of the stolen items was more than $400, they said.
Company loss prevention officials told detectives they believed the two were behind several thefts across Michigan.
Investigators identified the two suspects. They also eviewed footage from license plate reading cameras and tracked the pair with help from other law enforcement agencies.
Detectives said they received information that linked the two to other thefts of merchandise across the country totaling more than $27,000. Parziale-Molina is wanted in Alabama for theft, officials said.
Officers put the suspects’ vehicle under surveillance and watched them as they traveled to another Ulta Beauty store, police said.
Investigators and company loss-prevention officers watched the suspects concealing merchandise at the store, they said. Police said they spoke to the two and placed them under arrest. They searched the suspects and found thousands of dollars in stolen fragrances and cosmetics.
Shelby Township authorities said the two suspects are in the country illegally, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has requested they be detained following their legal proceedings in Macomb County.
“Retail fraud is not a victimless crime, and Shelby Township will simply not accept criminals coming into our community and stealing from our businesses,” Shelby Township Police Chief Robert Shelide said in a statement. “FLOCK has become an important investigative tool for our detectives, allowing us to identify patterns and connect suspects to crimes. This case was a great example of how hard and diligent our detectives work to solve crimes. Shelby Township will continue to use every resource available to help protect our businesses and community. Shelby Township is our top priority!”
Shoplifting incidents
The case follows other thefts and shoplifting incidents at stores in Michigan.
In June, a Southgate police officer fatally shot a man in a store parking lot during a shoplifting investigation. A woman with him was also detained, but later released.
Last October, a man accused of shoplifting at a Sterling Heights store was charged after allegedly trying to stab a police officer with a screwdriver.
In August 2025, a Clinton Township man was charged after allegedly racking up his 30th offense for shoplifting.
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@CharlesERamirez