Both Rojas and Laurencio are undocumented immigrants, according to the sheriff’s office. However, officers are still working to verify their identities and are not certain their identifications are authentic.
During Wednesday’s news conference, Johnson stressed that officers working on the case deserved praise for what they uncovered. He noted that responding to an illegal dumping call can be part of an officer’s routine that just gets “completely discounted.” However, thanks to the officers’ extra effort, they were able to uncover the theft ring, he said.
“[Our deputies] gave citizens what they deserve, and that is extra effort,” Johnson said. “There has to be something said when good old-fashioned police work resolves issues.”
Possession of stolen property can bring up to five years’ imprisonment in Oklahoma, and the sheriff’s office expects more charges will be filed.
