LEAGUE CITY — The League City Police Department says investigators have dismantled what they describe as a major organized retail theft operation, recovering more than $400,000 worth of stolen merchandise and arresting a Houston woman.

According to police, the investigation began July 12 after officers responded to a reported theft at the Sephora inside Kohl’s in League City. What initially appeared to be a routine shoplifting case expanded into a multi-jurisdictional investigation involving numerous cities and several counties.

Police said investigators with the department’s Business District Unit recovered more than 15,000 stolen items valued at more than $400,000.

As a result of the investigation, Claudia Ivonne Higuera-Torres, 52, of Houston, was arrested July 21 and charged with organized retail theft, a first-degree felony.

Authorities said her bond was set at $150,000. Police also said a judge denied her release due to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer.

The department said Flock Safety cameras played a significant role in the investigation by helping investigators identify vehicles allegedly connected to the theft operation, determine when League City businesses were targeted and link thefts across multiple jurisdictions and retailers.

Assistant Chief Antley credited the Business District Unit and partner law enforcement agencies for their work on the case.

“This investigation is a testament to the professionalism, determination, and investigative expertise of our Business District Unit,” Antley said in a statement. “Through strong partnerships, advanced technology, and relentless investigative work, the BDU was able to identify those responsible and bring a significant criminal operation to an end.”