PHOENIX — Three people were indicted on charges of running an illicit enterprise and trafficking stolen property, according to Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell.
“We need to pay particular attention to this kind of crime – especially when it’s at this scale – because it affects everyone’s bottom line,” Mitchell said. “Retailers have to offset their losses which can mean those of us who are law-abiding citizens pay higher prices.”
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Hay 3 acusadas por administrar una empresa ilícita en el oeste del valle y traficar con propiedad robada
Mitchell and the Phoenix Police Department held a joint news conference on April 18 at 2:30 p.m. to address the long-term investigation into the case.
The Phoenix Police Department began its investigation into the defendants Alejandra Reyes-Torres, Guadalupe Gamez-Moreno and Jennifer Zazueta-Reyes six months ago after police received a tip from a shoplifter, police said.
The shoplifter admitted to stealing high-end makeup specifically to be resold to the women now under indictment, police said. According to police, the three people indicted operated unregistered businesses out of their West Valley homes and sold the makeup through online sales platforms, in person and even by shipping the cosmetics internationally.
In total, 12 pallets of stolen merchandise, with an estimated value of $560,000, were recovered during an undercover operation, officials said.
“My hope is that this sends a strong message that we are committed to investigating and arresting individuals of all crimes, and theft of this magnitude will not be tolerated,” Phoenix Police Chief Michael Sullivan said during the news conference.
Police said the women would give shoplifters lists of merchandise with how much money they would earn.
Investigators said they believe the illegal operation had been going on for five years.
Police said this is an ongoing investigation.
>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
Watch 12News+ for free
You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app!
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX."
Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.
More ways to get 12News
On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
On your streaming device: Download 12News+ to your streaming device
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.
