06/11/2026
MEDIA RELEASE: GREENVILLE POLICE INVESTIGATION LEADS TO ARREST OF THREE SUSPECTS LINKED TO SOUTH AMERICAN THEFT GROUP
What started as a burglary investigation in Greenville has led to the arrest of three suspects believed to be connected to a South American Theft Group, an organized criminal enterprise linked to residential burglaries across multiple states.
After two residential burglaries and an attempted burglary were reported in Greenville on January 16, 2026, investigators followed leads, analyzed evidence and worked with law enforcement partners to identify three suspects believed to be responsible for the crimes.
As the investigation expanded, Greenville investigators determined the suspects were associated with a South American Theft Group (SATG), a type of organized criminal enterprise known for traveling throughout the United States to commit residential burglaries. Information developed during the investigation was shared with agencies across the region and ultimately helped connect the suspects to additional burglaries and criminal activity in multiple states.
The suspects have been identified as:
Cristian Alberto Mideros-Riascos, 29, of Colombia
Leonardo Andres Hernandez Torres, 30, of Colombia
Elvis Ibarguen Salazar, 26, of Colombia
All three have been charged by the Greenville Police Department with:
Two counts of Second-Degree Burglary
One count of Attempted First-Degree Burglary
Three counts of Possession of Burglary Tools
Three counts of Felony Conspiracy
Investigators linked the same suspects to multiple residential burglaries that occurred in High Point on February 6, 2026. The information developed by Greenville investigators also assisted law enforcement agencies in Tennessee, Virginia, Mississippi, Texas, Georgia and North Carolina with related investigations and criminal charges.
Leonardo Andres Hernandez Torres was arrested in Corrigan, Texas, on April 8, 2026. He was extradited to North Carolina on May 19 and is currently being held at the Pitt County Detention Center.
Elvis Ibarguen Salazar was arrested in Kingston, Tennessee, on May 20. He is currently being held in Tennessee and is scheduled to be extradited to Pitt County on June 18.
Cristian Alberto Mideros-Riascos was arrested in Marietta, Georgia, on June 4 and is awaiting extradition to North Carolina.
"This case started with crimes committed right here in Greenville, but through a lot of hard work and strong partnerships, investigators were able to identify suspects operating across multiple states," said Chief Richard Tyndall. "The information developed during this investigation not only helped solve crimes in Greenville, but also assisted other agencies pursuing cases involving the same suspects. I'm incredibly proud of the work our investigators put into this case and grateful to our law enforcement partners who helped bring these individuals into custody."
The investigation remains active, and additional charges are possible.
A huge shoutout to our officers with VCAT, the Criminal Investigations Bureau, and the Real Time Crime Center, who worked relentlessly to identify and track down these suspects.
A special thank you to the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, Corrigan Police Department, Lilburn Police Department, Gwinnett County Police Department, Kingston Police Department, Williamson County Sheriff's Office, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation for their assistance in this investigation.
