PHOENIX — Three suspects have been indicted after a long-term investigation that resulted in arrests and recovery of hundreds of thousands of dollars in stolen property.
On Thursday, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell joined Phoenix Police Department officials to reveal the details of the investigation.
Following a six-month investigation called 'Operation Makeup Breakup,' three women were arrested and more than half a million dollars worth of merchandise was recovered.
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Officials say the women would provide a detailed list of items to "boosters" who would then go into retail stores and steal those items, mainly cosmetics. The targeted stores include Walgreens, Dillard's, Walmart, Target, Sephora, Bath and Body Works and more.
Police say the operation lasted about five years and resulted in the women setting up makeshift stores in three homes, located in west Phoenix and Tonopah.
During the investigation, authorities learned most of the women's sales happened online, resulting in them shipping bulk items to various locations, including out-of-state and out of the country. Police said in-person sales at the home were the most uncommon form of sale for the women.
On March 28, police served 32 search warrants resulting in three arrests. In total, 12 pallets of stolen merchandise were recovered and had an estimated value of $560,000.
The women's identities and charges are as follows:
Alejandra Reyes Torres
- 1 count of illegal control of an enterprise
- 4 counts of trafficking in stolen property
Guadalupe Gamez-Moreno
- 1 count of illegal control of an enterprise
- 1 count of trafficking in stolen property
Jennifer Zazueta-Reyes (daughter of Alejandra)
- 1 count of illegal control of an enterprise
Authorities are still investigating this case and say they're working to identify the "boosters" used to steal the merchandise.
“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,” said Phoenix Police Chief Michael Sullivan.
County Attorney Mitchell says a trial is set for the fall.
