Clinton County, IN - On February 11, 2025, troopers with the Indiana State Police Lafayette Post received information regarding a 2023 Lincoln Navigator believed to have been involved in a theft in Countryside, Illinois. Trooper Brandon Howell located a vehicle matching the description traveling southbound on Interstate 65 near the 158-mile marker and subsequently conducted a traffic stop.
The driver was identified as Procoror Muntean, 23, of Queens Village, NY, and the passenger as Retan Varga, 26, of East Kent, WA. During the investigation, troopers observed signs of potential criminal activity and received further information indicating that both individuals may have also been involved in a theft in West Allis, Wisconsin.
Troopers applied for and were granted a search warrant for the vehicle. Upon executing the warrant, they discovered jewelry, U.S. currency, electronics, a false ID card, and marijuana. The estimated value of the recovered jewelry and electronics exceeds $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 rightful owners.
Additionally, troopers 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 discovered a watch inside the patrol vehicle. It is believed 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.
Arrested Individuals and Preliminary Charges:
Procoror Muntean, 23, 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
Retan Varga, 26, 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
This remains an active and ongoing investigation by the Indiana State Police Lafayette Post in collaboration with law enforcement agencies in Illinois and Wisconsin. No further information is available at this time. Anyone requesting further information about the thefts should contact the appropriate police departments handling the investigations.
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.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.