Watertown Police Arrest Polish Nationals for Multi-State Organized Retail Theft Ring
- Steve Jurrens
- Feb 20
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - A rapid response by the Watertown Police Department on Thursday morning led to the arrest of two individuals suspected of operating an organized retail theft ring spanning multiple states and numerous South Dakota communities.
The suspects, identified as 28-year-old Fabian Garbanowski and 27-year-old Maria Garbanowska, both Polish nationals, were apprehended just minutes after police received a tip from a local business.
Rapid Response in Southeast Retail District
The investigation began around 10:50 a.m. on February 19, 2026, when a business in southeast Watertown alerted authorities to two individuals suspected of high-value retail thefts across the state. Officers were informed that the pair had recently been spotted in another South Dakota community and were believed to be traveling toward Watertown.
Law enforcement had already linked the duo to prior thefts totaling thousands of dollars. Based on the vehicle description provided, Watertown officers flooded the city’s southeast retail corridor.
“Within minutes, officers located the suspect vehicle and conducted a traffic stop,” said Captain Steve Rehorst. “The male and female occupants matched the descriptions previously provided to law enforcement.”
Evidence of Organized Crime Seized
During a search of the vehicle, officers discovered a variety of tools and items commonly used to facilitate organized retail theft. In addition to the stolen goods, police seized a significant amount of cash and multiple electronic devices as evidence.
Investigators believe the Garbanowskis are part of a greater criminal effort, with suspected offenses occurring in several other states beyond South Dakota.
Community Partnerships Key to Arrest
Both suspects were arrested without incident and have been transported to the Codington County Detention Center. They face charges of Organized Retail Theft, a South Dakota statute designed to combat professional “boosting” rings that steal merchandise for resale rather than personal use.
The Watertown Police Department highlighted the arrest as a success story for local business-police relations.
“The Watertown Police Department values its strong partnerships with local businesses,” the department stated in a release. “Information shared quickly between retailers and law enforcement... potentially prevented additional victims in our community.”
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
