Alleged Shoplifter Nicknamed 'El Mustachio The Magician' Arrested At Santa Cruz Costco
SANTA CRUZ (CBS SF) -- A man who police nicknamed "El Mustachio the Magician" was arrested in connection with thefts over the summer at a Santa Cruz Costco Wholesale warehouse.
Shawn Fialho, 45, whose last known address was in Boulder Creek, was arrested by Monterey County sheriff's deputies in Soquel in an unrelated case about two weeks ago, police said last Monday.
Fialho is suspected of stealing electronics from the warehouse at 220 Sylvania Ave. on July 7 and 17 and Aug. 21 and attempting to shoplift on Aug. 26, according to police.
Through video footage from the warehouse's surveillance system, Fialho was seen in different clothes in each theft, but police linked him to the crimes by his moustache and Ugg-style boots.
Police offered a commemorative beer pint glass with a mustache painted on it signed by Police Chief Kevin Vogel for information on the thefts that would lead to an arrest.
In the first theft on July 7, Fialho allegedly grabbed Bose SoundLink speakers from a shelf then stepped away from the warehouse video security camera to slip the speakers underneath his shirt and jacket before exiting, police said.
Police gave Fialho the nickname after the July 7 theft because of his facial hair and ability to hide the speakers underneath his clothing, according to police.
He then allegedly stole laptops at the same Costco location on July 17 and Aug. 21, police said.
On Aug. 26, Fialho allegedly attempted to steal a Xbox video game console but when a warehouse employee made contact with him, he dropped some of the device's cables from his pockets and fled, according to police.
An anonymous tipster identified Fialho as the shoplifter after police released information on the thefts earlier this month through the department's blog.
Fialho, who is on probation, has a history of theft and drug-related arrests, police said.
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