David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced on April 24 that Angel Giancarlo Bellido Cosio, also known as Jesus Requejo, a 36-year-old Peruvian citizen unlawfully residing in the United States, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for his role in a distraction theft and identity theft scheme.
The case highlights efforts by federal authorities to address crimes targeting vulnerable individuals and protect financial security. According to court documents and statements made in court, Bellido Cosio participated with at least two other Peruvian nationals in stealing wallets from victims—often elderly women—at retail stores such as Trader Joe’s and TJ Maxx across several states. The group used stolen credit and debit cards to purchase electronics and other goods before shipping them to an address in New Jersey.
Court records show that Bellido Cosio was involved in thefts from at least ten victims across Connecticut, Rhode Island, North Carolina, and Tennessee. The total value of goods purchased using stolen cards exceeded $53,000. Rental vehicle records indicated that the conspirators rented cars fourteen times over a period totaling 144 days and drove more than 65,000 miles during their operation.
Bellido Cosio was arrested on March 13, 2024 after he and co-conspirator Angel Eugenio Bances Chaponan stole a wallet from a victim at a store in Orange, Connecticut. They then used the victim’s credit card to buy a MacBook valued at about $2,850 and an iPad Pro for approximately $1,050. On January 30, 2026 Bellido Cosio pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit access device fraud as well as aggravated identity theft charges. He has been detained since his arrest and will face immigration proceedings after serving his sentence.
Bances Chaponan pleaded guilty to related charges and received a sentence of twenty-four months imprisonment on September 17, while another co-conspirator awaits sentencing. The investigation was conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation along with police departments from Connecticut; Virginia; South Carolina; Rhode Island; North Carolina; and Tennessee.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut prosecutes federal crimes and manages civil cases for the United States within the state according to its official website. The office operates under the Department of Justice according to its official website with locations in New Haven, Hartford,and Bridgeport while employing about sixty-eight assistant attorneys plus fifty-seven support staff members according to its official website. It is one of the oldest prosecutorial offices established back in 1789 according to its official website.
Additionally,the office advances justice initiatives aimed at improving quality of life throughout Connecticut according to its official websiteand has produced alumni who have gone on become judges or elected officials accordingtoitsofficialwebsite. It serves all residents within thestateofConnecticutaccordingtotheofficialwebsite.
