Theft ring busted that stole $20,000 worth of property in Dona Ana, El Paso counties

MESILLA, New Mexico -- The Mesilla Marshal's Office announced the breakup of a major theft ring that stretched from southern New Mexico to El Paso.

Four Las Cruces are residents are charged in connection with the thefts of over $20,000 worth of property, including checks sent in the mail, some of which has been recovered.

“We have several hundred pieces of mail that had been stolen. Some which include checks to the amount of $6,000. So right now, we calculate we’re right at a little over $20,000," Marshal Eddie Lerma said.