On January 14 2017, the West Hazleton Police Department was summoned to a Winters Avenue address after receiving the report of a package stolen from a front porch. Upon their arrival, officers discovered a female and an unknown accomplice arrived at the location in a vehicle, and removed a recently delivered package from in front of the residence before fleeing the area.
During the course of an investigation officers received numerous tips and leads regarding the identity of the actors. The actors, dubbed the “porch pirates” by local media, were identified and taken into custody late Wednesday evening.
Luz Marie Claudio-Ortiz, 23, Hazleton, faces charges of; Theft by Unlawful Taking, Receiving Stolen Property, Defiant Trespass, and Criminal Conspiracy.
Martina Baez-Rodriguez, 23, Hazleton, faces a charge of Criminal Conspiracy.
Police are still conducting an active investigation into reports of other stolen packages.
The West Hazleton Police Department would like to thank all members of the public who submitted information leading to the apprehension of the actors.
