Retail Theft Ring Busted
For Immediate Release
Friday May 16,2008

CHANDLER, AZ. On Thursday May 15, 2008 at 6:30 am, Chandler Police Detectives and the Special Assignment Unit executed search warrants at the following locations in reference to the Sierra Family's involvement in an organized retail theft ring:

4420 S. 8th Place, Phoenix, Arizona
4422 S. 8th Place, Phoenix, Arizona
358 E. Roeser #256, Phoenix, Arizona
1702 S. 4th Street, Phoenix, Arizona

Based on preliminary estimates approximately $100,000.00 dollars worth of stolen clothing was recovered from the 4 different locations. On May 1, 2008 approximately $9100.00 dollars of stolen merchandise was seized from members of the Sierra family after they spent 2 hours stealing items from 8 different stores from the Chandler Fashion Mall.

All merchandise seized included store tags and sensors still attached to each piece of clothing. The clothing ranged from children sizes to adult sizes and included most major brand names. It is believed the merchandise was stolen from stores from malls in Chandler, Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Mesa and Tempe. Detectives believe stealing and selling the stolen merchandise is the Sierra family's sole means of support, not including welfare. Many members contacted today are associated with or active 9th Street gang members out of Phoenix. 

Three adults and one15 year-old juvenile all residents of Phoenix were arrested and charged with felony theft, shoplifting, trafficking in stolen property and operating a criminal syndicate are identified as:

Florinda Sierra: 10/71	Lorraine Sierra: 05/67	Felicia Verduzco: 01/86

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