Seven people have been arrested in connection with the thefts of at least 40 off-road vehicles from the Queen Creek and San Tan Valley areas.
Pinal County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Navideh Forghani said their month-long investigation started after deputies received a tip about a possible auto theft ring.
According to Forghani, deputies learned each of the suspects had a specific role in the operation and would case neighborhoods looking for anyone with an off-road vehicle or motorcycle. The suspects would then come back and steal the vehicle.
Marco Salazar, Sergio Guerra, Brittany Knauff, Courtney Jenkins, Paul Clement, Matthew Voorhees, and Gabriel Burgueno have all been indicted and charged in connection with the theft ring.
Of the more than 40 thefts believed to have been executed by the ring, deputies have recovered and returned eight vehicles to their rightful owners.
Forghani said the estimated value of the property PCSO was able to return to owners is in excess of $95,000.
PCSO officials said they believe the group may have also been operating in the Valley, so they are working with local agencies as part of an ongoing investigation. Forghani said more arrests are expected in the case.
