SALT LAKE CITY — Two individuals have been arrested and charged after being linked to a series of thefts at Target stores throughout Utah, according to recent arrest reports.
Mercedesa Kvec, 22, and Sergiu Kvec, 23, are both facing felony charges for retail theft, each accused of stealing goods worth $5,000 or more. The charges are classified as second-degree felonies. As of now, both suspects are being held in Utah County Jail, and Sergiu is also facing an outstanding warrant from California.
According to arrest records, Sergiu is responsible for approximately $6,400 in stolen goods, while Mercedesa is linked to about $6,000 in losses. The thefts, which spanned multiple locations across the state, reportedly involved a method known as “quick change” theft.
In these types of thefts, a suspect will make a large cash purchase and then use sleight of hand or confusion to keep both part of the cash and the items purchased, leaving the store with merchandise without fully paying for it. Later, they return the stolen items at another store location, receiving the full refund, thus executing a second theft.
Investigators believe the couple began their theft spree in September 2024, continuing into March and April of 2025. They are suspected of targeting Target stores in several Utah cities, including Provo, Orem, American Fork, South Jordan, Sandy, Taylorsville, Centerville, and two locations in Salt Lake City.
The theft incidents involved not only “quick change” thefts but also attempts to steal and return stolen property for refunds.
Both Mercedesa and Sergiu have been ordered to remain in custody without bail, pending their upcoming court hearings.
