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El Mirage police arrest 9 connected to 'criminal enterprise'

More than 200 items, including stolen vehicles, were seized during the investigation, police said.

EL MIRAGE, Ariz. — A total of nine people have been arrested by the El Mirage Police Department for their involvement in a "criminal enterprise," according to authorities.

“Many of our community members have been victimized by these criminals," said El Mirage Police Chief Paul Marzocca.

Police said the now "dismantled" organization was involved in theft, trafficking in stolen property, and drug sales. The organization was being led by a man named Craig Wood, of El Mirage, El Mirage PD said. 

The large-scale investigation into the organization, which also involved the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and State Gang Task Force, dates back to 2022 and involves hundreds of hours of surveillance.

 "I am proud of the diligent work of my officers and the MCSO detectives," said Police Chief Paul Marzocca.

More than 200 items, including stolen vehicles, were seized during the investigation, police said.

"The investigation proved numerous crimes, including money laundering, conducting an illegal enterprise, trafficking in stolen property, and drug sales, took place by those arrested," police said in a news release.

"Undoubtedly our effort improved the neighborhood quality of life in our community,” said Marzocca.

The suspects are facing charges as follows:

Chris Wood, age 42

  • Illegal control of an enterprise 
  • Conspiracy to commit conducting a chop shop 
  • Conspiracy to commit trafficking in stolen property 
  • Trafficking in stolen property 
  • Conspiracy to commit possession of narcotic drugs for sale 
  • 2 counts of sale and transportation of narcotic drugs 
  • Conspiracy to commit theft of means of transportation 
  • Aggravated taking the identity of another 
  • Attempt to traffick in the Identity of another 
  • Possession or use of narcotic drugs

Scott Rankin, age 37

  • Illegal control of an enterprise 
  • Conspiracy to commit conducting a chop shop 
  • Conspiracy to commit theft of means of transportation 
  • Aggravated identity theft 
  • Forgery 
  • Theft and sales of stolen property 
  • Trafficking in stolen property

Dennis Willie, age 44

  • Illegal control of an enterprise 
  • Conspiracy to commit conducting a chop shop 
  • Trafficking in stolen property 
  • Conspiracy to commit theft of means of transportation 
  • 3 counts of theft of means of transportation misconduct involving weapons c4f 
  • 2 counts of unlawful flight from law enforcement

Frank Harrison, age 37

  • Illegal control of an enterprise 
  • Conspiracy to commit conducting a chop shop 
  • Trafficking in stolen property 
  • Conspiracy to commit theft of means of transportation 
  • Theft of means of transportation 
  • Theft

Gary Banks, age 58

  • Illegal control of an enterprise 
  • Conspiracy to commit conducting a chop shop 
  • Conspiracy to commit trafficking in stolen property 
  • Trafficking in stolen property

Richard Black, age 59

  • Illegal control of an enterprise 
  • Conspiracy to commit conducting a chop shop 
  • Conspiracy to commit theft of means of transportation 
  • 3 counts of theft of means of transportation 
  • Possession or use of dangerous drugs

Lori McEachern, 66

  • Illegal control of an enterprise 
  • Conspiracy to commit conducting a chop shop 
  • Conspiracy to commit theft of means of transportation 
  • Theft of means of transportation

Todd Garland, age 46

  • Theft of means of transportation 
  • Possession of a dangerous drug

Jacklyn Buntin, age 33

  • Probation violation (dangerous drugs)

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