Hialeah Police Arrest Pair for Pokémon Card Theft
Two suspects were taken into custody after allegedly stealing over $1,130 in merchandise from a local GameStop.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Property Crime
Police arrested Melissa Castro and Jose Nunez for third-degree grand theft following the theft of Pokémon box sets from a Hialeah store. Both individuals were apprehended at a motel in Miami Springs after detectives tracked their rental vehicle.
Why it matters
Law enforcement utilized witness testimony and vehicle records to locate the suspects after they were captured on surveillance footage. The investigation highlights the role of modern identification methods in resolving retail theft cases.
Melissa Castro and Jose Nunez have been charged with third-degree grand theft and are currently held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. A judge has set a $2,500 bond for both defendants.
The players
Melissa Castro
The 38-year-old suspect faces charges of third-degree grand theft.
Jose Nunez
The 38-year-old suspect was arrested alongside Castro and is currently in custody.
Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center
This is the primary detention facility in Miami-Dade County where suspects are processed following their arrest.
The details
Surveillance video allegedly captured the duo taking items from the GameStop and leaving without paying. Detectives successfully identified the pair by matching a witness-provided license plate to a rental car company record.
Timeline
Monday: The suspects allegedly committed the theft at the Hialeah GameStop.
Thursday: Police arrested Melissa Castro and Jose Nunez at a Miami Springs motel.
Friday: Jose Nunez appeared in court for a bond hearing.
Legal Context
The arrest and formal charging of the suspects follow the thresholds established by Florida Statute 812.014 regarding grand theft. This case reflects how local law enforcement agencies prioritize the use of vehicle tracking to resolve retail property crimes.
The investigation successfully identified suspects through vehicle records after the store theft was reported. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity, as witness statements helped lead investigators to the suspects.
The takeaway
Retailers continue to face losses from organized or opportunistic theft of high-value collectible items. Businesses and local residents can assist investigators by providing vehicle descriptions or identifying information during similar incidents.
Further reading
For more on local law enforcement efforts, visit the property-crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC 6 South Florida.
