FBPD: Couple linked to thefts in several states arrested

A man and woman believed responsible of a series of thefts nationwide has been arrested, according to Flowery Branch Police (FBPD), and they have been linked to a theft in Flowery Branch.

Flowery Branch Asst. Police Chief Todd Templeton said Thursday that on June 1, the suspects, a man and woman, entered a store on Spout Springs Road.

“The two suspects proceeded to take merchandise valued at approximately $2,700 without authorization,” Chief Templeton said. “The theft went unnoticed until the following day…when store management discovered the missing items during an inventory check and promptly reported the incident to the Flowery Branch Police Department.”

Upon receiving the report, officers launched an investigation.

“Their efforts quickly led to the identification of the suspects: Vasile Caldararu, a 24-year-old male from Baltimore, Maryland, and Iulia Sandu, a 23-year-old female from Rowland Heights, California,” Chief Templeton added. “Further investigation revealed that the couple had been involved in similar thefts across several states, suggesting a broader pattern of criminal activity.”

In response, arrest warrants were issued for both individuals, charging them with felony theft
by shoplifting.

The couple was arrested while attempting another theft, this time in Newnan, he said.

Caldararu was later taken to the Hall County Detention Center to await further legal proceedings. The Hall County arrest warrant for Iulia Sandu “currently remains active,” Templeton said.