Reports of a vehicle possibly involved in a Countryside theft led to the arrest of two individuals along I-65 in Clinton County on Tuesday.
On Feb. 11, Indiana State Police Lafayette Post troopers reportedly received information regarding a 2023 Lincoln Navigator that was believed to have been involved in a theft in Countryside, Illinois. Trooper Brandon Howell located a vehicle that matched the description traveling southbound on I-65 near the 158-mile marker, and he reportedly conducted a traffic stop, leading to the identification of the driver as Procoror Muntean, 23, of Queens Village, New York, and the passenger as Retan Varga, 26, of East Kent, Washington.
During the investigation, troopers reportedly observed signs of potential criminal activity and received further information that indicated that both individuals may have been involved in a theft that occurred in West Allis, Wisconsin, leading troopers to apply for a search warrant for the vehicle that was granted.
Upon executing the warrant, troopers reportedly discovered jewelry, U.S. currency, electronics, a false ID card and marijuana, and it was estimated that the recovered jewelry and electronics exceeded $50,000. Troopers are currently working with local agencies in Illinois and Wisconsin to determine the origins of the recovered items and return them to their owners.
Additionally, troopers reportedly observed signs of impairment while speaking with Muntean and gathered information indicating he was under the influence of a controlled substance.
Both Muntean and Varga were taken into custody and transported to the Clinton County Jail. While Muntean was being transported, troopers reportedly discovered a watch inside the patrol vehicle, and troopers stated that they believe that Muntean attempted to discard the watch.
During the investigation, the Countryside Police Department obtained an arrest warrant for Varga, which was also executed at the time of his arrest.
Charges for Procoror Muntean, 23, of Queens Village, NY:
- Theft of Property with a Value of at Least $50,000 – Level 5 Felony
- Obstruction of Justice – Level 6 Felony
- Possession of a False Government ID – Class A Misdemeanor
- Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated – Endangerment – Class A Misdemeanor
- Possession of Marijuana – Class B Misdemeanor
- Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Class C Misdemeanor
Charges for Retan Varga, 26, of East Kent, WA:
- Theft of Property with a Value of at Least $50,000 – Level 5 Felony
- Possession of a False Government ID – Class A Misdemeanor
- Possession of Marijuana – Class B Misdemeanor
The case remains as an active and ongoing investigation by the Indiana State Police Lafayette Post in collaboration with law enforcement agencies in Illinois and Wisconsin.
Trooper Howell was assisted at the scene by other troopers from the Lafayette Post, Indiana State Police Criminal Investigation Bureau, Boone County Sheriff’s Office, Lebanon Police Department, Countryside Illinois Police Department and West Allis Wisconsin Police Department.
