Police arrested two people Wednesday morning accused of stealing a large amount of merchandise from Valley stores and then selling the items out of their home.
According to Chandler police, they served a search warrant at a Phoenix home near 43rd Avenue and Thomas Road.
The three-month long investigation, which started in Chandler, led to the arrests of 52-year-old Romona Lemus Lomeli and 53-year-old Luis Antonio Luevanos, police said.
Lomeli and Luevanos are suspected of stealing items from multiple Fry’s, Walgreens and Walmart locations.
Police released their mugshots on Thursday. They each face one count of participating in a criminal syndicate, assisting in a criminal syndicate with a minor and trafficking in stolen property.
At Fry’s alone, they allegedly stole more than $80,000 worth of merchandise, including baby formula and hair care products.
ABC15 crews on scene spotted boxes stacked in the driveway as police continued to investigate.
Police said their house was set up like a store with items on shelves. People would go to their home to “shop” for products at a reduced price.
“When people go to these organized retail theft ‘stores,’ they are only facilitating the continued thefts and supporting the drug habits of the suspects,” said Chandler police Sgt. Joseph Favazzo.
