Overview
- The five men from Mendoza were publicly charged with organized crime to defraud, multiple thefts from different stores, and petty theft after alleged shoplifting at Dolphin Mall.
- Judge Mindy Glazer set individual bonds of roughly $4,000 to $4,500, totaling $21,000, with release possible upon payment and strict no‑contact orders for the mall and targeted stores.
- Reports from the hearing indicate the ban from the shopping center could be permanent, in addition to standard pretrial restrictions.
- The defendants appeared in detention uniforms, used a court translator, and were not appointed public defenders after declaring employment and housing.
- Defense lawyers and acquaintances contend the episode was impulsive and not coordinated crime, say one person appears most responsible, and note any deportation decision rests with U.S. immigration authorities.