Operation Rooftop Leads to Multiple Arrests in Roofing Material Theft Ring
Law enforcement officers from 11 agencies in Georgia recently concluded “Operation Rooftop,” resulting in the arrest of several men involved in the theft of commercial roofing materials across North Georgia.
Early on Wednesday morning, August 14, officers executed search warrants at three units in an apartment complex located at 6000 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Atlanta and at a house on 3000 McElroy Road in Atlanta. The operation led to the arrest of five primary suspects in the theft ring:
- Jose Amaya Martinez, 27
- Juan Adrian Torres Tello, 30
- Gabriel Amaya Zalasar, 30
- Margarito Amaya Zalasar, 20
- Miguel Amaya Zalasar, 24
Four of the suspects reside at the Peachtree Industrial Boulevard apartments, while Tello lives at the McElroy Road residence.
The suspects face felony arrest warrants on charges of theft and conspiracy, issued by various North Georgia jurisdictions. Gabriel Amaya Zalasar and Miguel Amaya Zalasar were booked into the Jackson County Jail, while the other three suspects were detained at the DeKalb County Jail.
The investigation, which began in June, revealed that the theft ring targeted large commercial construction sites, stealing roofing materials, including various types of membrane. The total value of the stolen materials is estimated at approximately $500,000.
“Operation Rooftop” was coordinated by the Hall County and Pickens County Sheriff’s Offices, in collaboration with sheriff’s offices from Banks, DeKalb, Gwinnett, and Jackson Counties, as well as police departments in Brookhaven, Cartersville, Dunwoody, and Flowery Branch, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Investigators continue to work on the case and believe there may be additional unreported theft incidents related to this investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Hall County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Buffington at (770) 297-4695.
