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Written by: E. George
Published August 14, 2024 @ 1:30 PM ET
BARTOW COUNTY, Ga. – Cartersville police have made arrests in a bizarre case of theft following a six-month investigation into a string of incidents involving stolen cooking oil. The alleged suspects—Carlos Laguna, 41, of Buford; Freddy Valencia Aguirre, 36, of Tucker; Luis Gaitan-Obando, 41, of DeKalb County; and Yunier Eliuth Aguirre-Polanco, 24, of Atlanta—are accused of stealing large quantities of cooking oil from various restaurants in Cartersville.
Authorities suggest the four suspects might be part of a broader theft network operating across the metro Atlanta area. The investigation has uncovered evidence linking these individuals to similar crimes throughout the region, prompting an ongoing collaboration with the Gwinnett County Police Department.
Carlos Laguna faces charges of theft by taking and possession of tools intended for criminal activity. He has posted a $3,000 bond for his release.
Freddy Valencia Aguirre is charged with two counts each of theft by taking and possession of criminal tools and has posted a $6,000 bond.
Luis Gaitan-Obando is charged with theft by taking, possession of criminal tools, and attempting to commit a misdemeanor. He remains in the Bartow County Jail on a $4,500 bond.
Yunier Eliuth Aguirre-Polanco faces charges of theft by taking and attempting to commit a misdemeanor, with a $3,000 bond posted for his release.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to determine whether the suspects are connected to a larger criminal organization in Gwinnett County.
The National Renderers Association estimates that up to $75 million worth of used cooking oil is stolen a year.