CMPD charges 3 men for series of Charlotte break-ins, says group linked to South American crime ring

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Three men police say are linked to South American crime organizations are facing charges related to over a dozen home break-ins in the Charlotte area, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police said on Thursday. 

CMPD announced Thursday that Alexander Panameno, 49, Anua Noviteno, 33, and David Caicedo-Delgado, 34, were charged in at least 18 cases in Charlotte. The trio is potentially linked to over 50 cases across the U.S. CMPD says the 18 cases occurred in the Steele Creek area between September 2023 and June 2024. 

Caicedo-Delgado is charged in one case in Charlotte and is under investigation for multiple cases outside of the Queen City, according to CMPD. 

Maj. J.D. Thomas said CMPD currently has 19 warrants but said there could be more charges brought against the suspects. 

“There’s the possibility of several more,” Thomas said. “It could go as high as 100 if you count surrounding jurisdictions.” 

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Detectives launched an investigation several months ago, linking them through surveillance footage and similarities in the break-ins. CMPD alleges that Panameno and Noviteno typically targeted homes during daytime hours and forced their way in if needed. The suspects would wear high-visibility clothing to make it seem as if they were doing construction or lawn care work, according to CMPD. 

Panameno and Noviteno were identified as suspects in May. Detectives also identified several suspect vehicles, including a white Ford Transit van. On June 7, CMPD tracked the white van to a location on Tribune Drive, which is just off Moores Chapel Road and Interstate 485. Officers saw the suspects breaking into a home and took them into custody. Caicedo-Delgado was identified as the driver of the van. 

Investigators executed a search warrant at a home on Walkers Cove Trail that was connected with the suspects. During the search, officers seized stolen luxury purses, jewelry and watches worth approximately $130,000. They also seized items used in the burglaries and more than $12,000 in cash. 

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. Anyone who was the victim of a break-in is encouraged to call 911. Witnesses can also call 704-432-TIPS to speak directly with detectives. 

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