MESA POLICE OFFICER REUNITED WITH MISSING DAUGHTER

Brooklyn Freeman was just four years old when her mother, then 34-year-old Erin Gerlach, took her and left the state of Arizona, leading investigators from law enforcement agencies across the United States on a two-and-a-half-year mission to find her. The day after her seventh birthday, Brooklyn was reunited with her father, Mesa Police Officer Shawn Freeman.

It was the beginning of August 2022, when Shawn last saw his daughter, a cheerful and healthy four-year-old girl who loved Barbie and Nerf gun wars. Her mother, Erin Gerlach, was taking her to California to “figure some stuff out” as she and Shawn had just ended a five-and-a-half-year relationship. “We were going back and forth, and things were cordial.” Shawn stated, “I told Erin that I wanted to come out there and see Brooklyn and she told me that if I came out there, she would get a restraining order on me. It was so random because there was no fight or argument or anything like that.” This was the end of August 2022 and the start of what Shawn describes as “an emotional rollercoaster.”

From there, Shawn noticed new social media accounts being opened tied to his name and likeness. The Mesa Police Department Chief of Police and the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office received emails alleging acts of domestic violence from Shawn toward Gerlach and videos were posted to social media pages depicting Shawn as a domestic abuser. Gerlach proceeded to file police reports with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office, Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, and the Mesa Police Department describing herself as a domestic violence victim. Mesa PD’s Internal Affairs unit began investigating the allegations against Shawn in September 2022, finding that he handled himself appropriately while interacting with Gerlach and exonerated the claims.

Shawn obtained an order of protection against Gerlach in January 2023 and in February he was awarded temporary sole custody of Brooklyn and sole legal decision-making. And while this was a big step in the right direction, it was a small feat for a father who had no idea where his child was or when he would ever see her again.

Shawn had mixed feelings, “I know it’s rare for a father to get sole custody versus a mom, especially when they were never married, like, that’s a rarity, but then I couldn’t get anybody to do anything, and I knew what was right.” Four times, Gerlach obtained an order of protection against Shawn in two different counties in California, forcing him to take time off work, travel, and defend himself in court; all while Gerlach never showed up. All four protection orders were dismissed.

Shawn continued to advocate for himself and report new information. He found that Gerlach had served prison time under a different name in 2008 and alleged that she had a history of harassing people online. And while Shawn gathered evidence showing a pattern of behavior demonstrating who Gerlach was, finding probable cause to file charges against her was challenging.

Finally, in April 2023 the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Child Abduction Unit entered Brooklyn into the National Crime Information Center as an abducted child.

“I would get my hopes up because some new intel would come in and later found out that it was not true. Erin would make it look like she was somewhere else where she wasn’t.” Shawn continued to follow leads over the next two years describing a time he thought Gerlach was taking Brooklyn to Disneyland for the weekend. “I would jump on with Disneyland security and the Los Angeles Child Abduction Unit and give the investigator a heads up.” But Gerlach and Brooklyn were never found.

From May 2023 - August 2023 Gerlach hurled false accusations to the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board alleging that Shawn committed acts of domestic violence and witness tampering. She also threatened to use the media to obtain records from the Mesa Police Department on her behalf. Gerlach reported the alleged abuse to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, the Department of Public Safety, and the Phoenix Police Department.

Continuing to cause Shawn emotional distress, Gerlach allegedly created different email addresses and sent emails to local news sources, pretending to be Shawn. Shawn had recently been involved in an on-duty shooting and Gerlach acted as him, threatening reporters that if they did not remove his name from their stories, they would meet the same fate as the suspect involved in the shooting. Local news stations reached out to the Mesa Police Department reporting the emails. An investigation revealed that none of the emails were sent by Shawn.

In September 2023, Shawn filed a harassment report against Gerlach through the Gilbert Police Department. Gerlach responded by contacting various prosecuting agencies throughout the valley claiming that Shawn had been engaging in illegal and unethical behavior for years. She sent emails to Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, Gilbert Police Chief Michael Soelberg, a former Maricopa County Sheriff, and Mesa Police Chief Ken Cost, amongst others, with allegations that Shawn committed perjury in family court.

In January 2024, Mesa Police Department Detective Travis Staab reopened a prior unfounded threats case that Gerlach filed with Mesa PD Internal Affairs in March 2023. Gerlach claimed that Shawn sent her threatening text messages ahead of a family court hearing. Detective Staab’s investigation revealed that Gerlach had created and sent herself the threatening text messages likely attempting to frame Shawn for doing so.

 A month later, in February 2024, Brooklyn turned six and Shawn was granted sole custody of her. “Going to other friends and family members that had their kid’s birthdays, I was jealous. I was jealous that they were getting to spend time with their kid and no one would help me find mine. It was a lot.”

In May 2024, Detective Staab obtained an arrest warrant for Gerlach for Identity Theft and Custodial Interference. The warrant was extraditable nationwide and would prove to be a huge break for Shawn.

The next nine months were spent serving search warrants, working with federal agencies, and trying to find Brooklyn. Detective Staab was able to gather enough material to show that Gerlach was hiding in a home in Murrieta, California. Mesa police officers and officers from the Murrieta Police Department joined forces and just one day after Brooklyn’s seventh birthday, the Murrieta Police Department served a search warrant, taking Gerlach into custody and reuniting Brooklyn with Shawn.

“It took her a second to recognize me and then she did, and let me hug her, and yeah, it was good.” Shawn said tearfully. “She (Brooklyn) wasn’t allowed out of the house for over two years, except on Halloween because they could dress her up. She was neglected proper dental and medical care, she went without direct sunlight, and was only allowed in the pool at night because people couldn’t see into the backyard.”

Shawn proceeded through a cracked voice, that Brooklyn didn’t even play with other children. She told him the other day, while playing at a local playground, that she was so happy she made four friends.

Brooklyn is now recovering with a therapist and proper medical team, she is thriving in her new home with her father, his fiancée, and her soon-to-be stepbrother.  

The weekend after Brooklyn's return. Celebrating her 7th birthday.

Erin Gerlach was booked into jail in Riverside County, California on February 13, 2025; she bonded out and was released from custody on March 3, 2025.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Domestic Abuse comes in many forms, not just physical. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men experience abuse from an intimate partner. 

For information about domestic abuse, please visit https://acesdv.org/

For more domestic violence statistics please visit https://www.thehotline.org/stakeholders/domestic-violence-statistics/

To reach the domestic violence hotline, please visit https://www.thehotline.org/

You can also call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or Text “START” to 88788 to live chat. 

Mesa Police Arrest Suspect for Spraying Pesticides on Produce

Mesa, AZ – (December 21, 2024): On December 21, 2024, the Mesa Police Department arrested 27-year-old Charles Smith in connection with a reckless social media post involving the spraying of pesticides on produce and other food items at a Mesa Walmart.

The incident occurred on December 19, 2024, at approximately 8:30 p.m. at the Walmart located at 1955 S. Stapley Drive. Smith entered the store intending to film pranks for social media but instead selected a can of Hot Shot Ultra Bed Bug and Flea Killer from the shelf without paying for it. He then sprayed the pesticide on various produce items, including vegetables, fruit, and rotisserie chickens that were available for purchase. Smith filmed his face, the pesticide can, and the act of spraying. He later posted the video online.

 Through investigative means, and with assistance from the Tempe Police Department, detectives were able to identify Smith as the suspect. Mesa Police contacted Smith and he turned himself in voluntarily. During the interview, Smith admitted to the theft and spraying of the pesticide.

 Thanks to the tireless work of our officers and detectives, an arrest occurred less than 24 hours after police were notified of the incident. We also extend our gratitude to the Tempe Police Department for their valuable contributions and collaboration in quickly solving this case.

Based on the investigation, Smith was booked into jail on the following charges:

1.       Introducing Poison (ARS 13-3704.A2 – Class 6 Felony)

2.       Criminal Damage (ARS 13-1602.A2 – Class 1 Misdemeanor)

3.       Endangerment (ARS 13-1201.A – Class 1 Misdemeanor)

4.       Theft (ARS 13-1802.A1 – Class 1 Misdemeanor) 

This incident underscores the potential dangers of reckless actions disguised as social media pranks. The Mesa Police Department is proud of the swift and diligent work of our officers and detectives in resolving this case and protecting the community.

 

Arrest of Four Men for Theft at Mesa UPS Warehouse

On December 17, 2024, four employees of the United Parcel Service (UPS) warehouse located at 5552 E. Inverness Ave in Mesa, Arizona, were taken into custody following an investigation into a large-scale theft operation.

The investigation began when UPS conducted an internal fraud and theft review at their warehouse. The security supervisor of UPS spearheaded the inquiry, identifying irregularities with packages received from vendors but not delivered to their final destinations. During this process, UPS security uncovered evidence pointing to employee involvement.

Four employees, identified as 34-year-old Bo Arias, 33-year-old Jeremy Large, 31-year-old David Panasci, and 31-year-old Casey Bedell, admitted to their involvement in the scheme. 

The following charges were filed against the suspects:

Bo Arias:

• ARS 13-2310A - Fraudulent Schemes and Artifices (Class 2 Felony)
• ARS 13-1802A1 - Theft; Greater than $10,000 (Class 3 Felony)

Jeremy Large:

• ARS 13-1802A1 - Theft; Greater than $10,000 (Class 3 Felony)

David Panasci:

• ARS 13-2310A - Fraudulent Schemes and Artifices (Class 2 Felony)
• ARS 13-1802A1 - Theft; Greater than $10,000 (Class 3 Felony)

Casey Bedell:

• ARS 13-1802A1 - Theft; Greater than $10,000 (Class 3 Felony)

The successful apprehension of these individuals demonstrates the effectiveness of collaboration between corporate security teams and law enforcement. The evidence provided by UPS was instrumental in securing confessions and holding those responsible accountable for their actions. The suspects now face significant legal consequences for their involvement in this fraudulent scheme.

Mesa Police Seek Information About Western Canal Assault/ Indecent Exposure Incidents

UPDATE: 

Mesa Police Announce Arrest in Western Canal Assault/Indecent Exposure Case

Mesa, AZ (January 09, 2025): Mesa Police arrested 18-year-old Gavin Harbour, in connection with two incidents of assault and indecent exposure that occurred along the Western Canal in late November and early December 2024.

Since the end of November 2024, there have been at least two separate incidents involving a male suspect. In both cases, the suspect asked the victims for directions to a nearby gas station before committing the offenses.

Detectives worked tirelessly on this case, following every lead that was presented. On 01/09/2025, one of the leads pointed to Harbour, who detectives were able to locate and interview. Gavin Harbour was booked into jail for ARS 13-1402 Indecent Exposure and ARS 13-1203.A.1 Assault.

Mesa Police are still encouraging anyone with additional information about these incidents or anyone who believes they may also be a victim to contact the Mesa Police Department at 480-644-2211.

Mesa Police seek information leading to the identity of a male suspect who allegedly groped one female and exposed himself to another on the Western Canal between late November- early December 2024.

Since the end of November 2024, there have been at least two separate incidents involving a male suspect described as white, light complexion with shoulder length/long curly blonde or dirty blonde hair. He is between 5’5”-5’10” tall and appears to be in his late teens or early 20s. At the time these incidents occurred, he was wearing a black hoodie and riding a black bicycle. He may also wear glasses. Both times he asked the victim for directions to a nearby gas station.

Mesa Police are asking anyone with information about these two incidents, information about the suspect, or anyone who thinks they may also be a victim to contact Mesa Police Department at 480-644-2211.

Area of incidents

Woman Arrested for Animal Cruelty

On November 4, 2024, a journal was turned into the Mesa Police Department that allegedly belonged to a 42-year-old woman identified as Brook Scalero. The journal described in torturous detail the continued abuse and ultimate deaths of multiple dogs under Scalero’s care. 

On June 7, 2024 “Paws Fur the Cause” reported that on May 19, 2024, Scalero agreed to pay $500 for a 3-year-old Maltese mix dog named “Pepe”. The organization allowed Scalero to leave with the dog under the pretense that she would pay for him that night, but she never followed through. 

On October 5, 2024, officers responded to the VCA Animal Hospital for reports of a dead dog who matched the description of Pepe. The microchip confirmed the dog was not Pepe and was in fact “Griffin”, who was registered to Scalero. Griffin had injuries consistent with animal abuse. 

Between November 2023- October 2024 Scalero lived with a roommate, who had a dog named “Gus”, who died under her watch. When Scalero left the residence, her roommate found her journal amongst other personal items. The journal documented the death of Gus. 

Brook Scalero was arrested on November 14, 2024, for unrelated crimes and interviewed. She acknowledged ownership of the journal, but claimed the stories were just creative writings. Scalero also admitted to taking Pepe without paying for him. 

On November 15, 2024, a person reported finding a dead dog behind a bush in the 700 block of west 8^th Ave. The microchip confirmed the dog was Pepe.  

Scalero was interviewed again on November 18, 2024, and admitted to her involvement in the torture and deaths of Pepe, Griffin, and Gus. She was booked into jail for the following charges: 

ARS 13-2910A14 (2 counts): Cruelty to Animals, a class 5 felony

ARS 13-2910A8: Cruelty to Animals- DV, a class 6 felony

ARS 13-1802A3: Theft, a class 1 misdemeanor

Mesa PD Takes Action Against School Threats

Over the last week, Mesa police officers have responded to and investigated several threats of violence toward schools in the city of Mesa. Threats have been made verbally and through social media. Our community has come together to combat these threats and have included officers in the discovery of such threats, following the “Report, Don’t Repost” campaign, started by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

Thank you!

Because of you, Mesa police officers identified six juveniles suspected of threatening violence in a school organization. The cases were not related; however, every case involved threats of school violence. The Mesa Police Department in collaboration with the head of security for Mesa, Gilbert, and Queen Creek Public Schools investigate all threats thoroughly.

“Our top priority at Mesa Public Schools is to provide a safe and caring learning environment for our students and staff,” stated the Superintendent of Mesa Public Schools, Dr. Andi Fourlis. “The recent trend of social media threats and rumors have been very disruptive to our schools, causing heightened fear and anxiety among our students and their families. We take every threat seriously and are grateful for our partnership with the Mesa Police Department.”

Members of the Mesa Police Department’s Intelligence & Counterterrorism Unit along with the Criminal Investigations Unit are also heavily involved in the discovery of new threats and promptly investigate their credibility.

“While the Mesa Police Department does not believe any of the already circulating social media threats are credible, we do take every threat seriously. It is not okay to threaten violence, it is against the law. Those who chose to violate this law may face criminal prosecution.” Ed Wessing, Assistant Chief of Police for the Mesa Police Department.

On September 12, 2024, three students came forward to report hearing another student at Eastmark High School say that they were going to shoot up the school. The 17-year-old suspect will be facing charges of threatening and intimidating.  

On September 13, 2024, three more students from Eastmark High School reported hearing another student threaten to shoot up Eastmark High School and their previous school. The 13-year-old student was referred to Juvenile Court for two counts of threatening and intimidating (one for each school.)

Also on September 13, 2024, two students from Mountain View High School reported that another student threatened to shoot up the school. The 15-year-old suspect was referred to Juvenile Court for one count of threatening and intimidating.

On September 16, 2024, Bush Elementary School received a suspicious call from a young man reporting a shooter on school grounds. Responding officers confirmed there was no shooter. The 11-year-old caller was identified and contacted. He now faces charges of false reporting of terrorism and interfering with an educational institution.

On September 17, 2024, two students from Stapley Junior High reported a social media threat showing names of other students from their school in a post titled “The List.” Officers learned that the list was made in March 2024 by a 13-year-old student who was charged with disruption of an educational facility at that time. Charges are pending for threatening and intimidating currently.  

On September 19, 2024, officers became aware of a new list of names circling within Stapley Junior High. Officers have identified a suspect and are actively working this case. 

Every high school in the Mesa Public School district is secured with weapon detection devices and two school resource officers. Every Junior High is also staffed with a school resource officer. In addition, patrol officers with the Mesa Police Department have adopted schools in their respective districts and have randomly been stopping by to walk the campuses and provide extra security for students and staff members.

Remember, if you see something, say something. Call the Mesa Police Department’s non-emergency line at 480-644-2211 or 911 in case of emergency. An anonymous tip line can also be used, provided by Mesa Public Schools, at 480-472-7867.

Westwood High School Weapon Detection Device at entrance
Mesa PD SRO Coran and MPS Security Officer Robin Beach

Mesa Police Officers Seize Illicit Fentanyl- valued at $1.2Million

On July 4, 2024, just before 10:30am, Mesa police officers responded to a welfare check in the parking lot of 645 W. Rio Salado Parkway. The caller stated three people were in a gold Cadillac and the driver appeared to be unconscious and slumped over. 

Officers pulled up to the Cadillac and as they began walking toward the car, the driver, 26-year-old Gabriel Rodriguez, immediately opened the door and ran away. Two officers ran after him and one officer stayed with the vehicle, which was occupied by 38-year-old Julian Reyes and 24-year-old Sunflower Short. The officer could see small blue pills scattered throughout the car in addition to a partially opened duffel bag containing several medium sized packages wrapped in packing tape.

Rodriguez was later apprehended and transported to the hospital after cutting his arm on razor wire while trying to flee.

After obtaining a search warrant, officers located 58 packaged bundles (over 200lbs) and two to three smaller opened bundles inside the vehicle. The packages contained approximately 750,000 M30 blue pills of illicit fentanyl, street valued at $1.2 million.

Reyes and Short were booked into jail for Possession of Narcotic Drugs and Drug Paraphernalia, while Rodrigez remains in the hospital but is facing charges of Possession and Transport of Narcotic Drugs for Sale and Possession of Narcotic Drugs when he is discharged.

Blue pills in vehicle

Package bundles

$1.2 million illicit fentanyl pills

 

Julian Reyes Mug Shot

Sunflower Short Mug Shot

                                              

Mesa Police Seize 95 Pallets of Illegal Fireworks

Firework tents and sale locations for fireworks seem to be everywhere you turn. And while some businesses are only sticking to legal fireworks for sale in Arizona, some are not. The Mesa Police Department began its Fireworks Enforcement Operation on June 24, 2024. Within that week, Mesa police officers along with Mesa Fire Inspectors began to inspect firework sale locations and proactively investigate illegal firework sales. 

On June 27, 2024, officers initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for making a wide right turn and saw illegal fireworks in the open truck bed as they approached. The driver was identified as 18-year-old Wilbur Rabago. Rabago admitted to having the fireworks for sale and hoped to sell them for $1,000. He was booked into jail for violating Mesa City Code 6-21.2A Prohibited Fireworks and 7-2-2 Prohibited Fireworks for Sale, both misdemeanors.

Wilbur Rabago

Illegal Fireworks

This same day, June 27, 2024, officers contacted a subject selling illegal aerial fireworks, which were housed at a location in Chandler, AZ. A search warrant was granted, allowing officers to enter the storage containers believed to have the fireworks inside. Officers found nine shipping containers, forty feet in length, containing 2,147 boxes of illegal fireworks. The fireworks were stacked on 95 pallets and took four semi-truck loads to move and are estimated at over $1,000,000. 

Boxes of Illegal Fireworks

Officers identified the operator of the firework business and charges are pending as the investigation continues. 

The 4^th of July should be a fun day of celebration, just do so safely and lawfully. The Mesa Police Department will have a dedicated team of officers available during the holiday to strictly enforce firework laws. The agency has also created a new link to report illegal firework activity online with the choice of remaining anonymous. The person submitting the request can send photos and/ or videos and the information will come to officers currently working in the community. This email box will be monitored all hours of the day and night through July 6, 2024, allowing citizens to report illegal fireworks in real time. Just visit mesaaz.gov, click “Residents,” then under “Police” click “Report Fireworks.” 

Citizens can also report illegal firework activity by calling the Mesa Police Department non-emergency number at 480-644-2211, emailing FIREWORKS@mesaaz.gov, or calling 911 in case of emergency.

As a reminder, some fireworks in Arizona are illegal. For information about which fireworks, please visit https://fire.mesaaz.gov/community-outreach/fireworks

Mesa Police Continuously Working to Enhancing Trust

The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the world’s largest and most influential professional association for police leaders, has an initiative called the Trust Building Campaign. Law enforcement agencies everywhere are encouraged to participate in the campaign. To join the Trust Building Campaign, law enforcement agencies must pledge to implement 25 key policies and leading practices within a 36-month period. The Mesa Police Department is pleased to announce that prior to even learning about the IACP’s initiative, the department had already completed all 25 key policies and leading practices as part of our ongoing commitment to the community we serve.

"Joining the Trust Building Campaign was a clear choice for us at the Mesa Police Department,” says Chief Ken Cost. “By standing behind this pledge, we are demonstrating our continued commitment to transparency, accountability, and open communication, which are essential to building and maintaining the public's trust.”

By proactively completing the Trust Building Campaign Pledge requirements, the Mesa Police Department established policies and trainings, conducted assessments, and developed strategies within six focus areas (Bias-Free Policing; Use of Force; Leadership and Culture; Recruitment, Hiring, and Retention; Victim Services; and Community Relations) designed to encourage positive community-police partnerships that promote safe, effective interactions, create strategies to prevent and reduce crime, and improve the wellbeing and quality of life for all.

For more information about the Trust Building Campaign, visit the IACP’s website at:

https://www.theiacp.org/iacp-trust-building-campaign

Las Sendas Food Truck Friday's

Two Arrested for Arson, Class 2 Felony

On June 13, 2024, around 9:30 PM, officers responded to a “shots fired” call. The caller reported receiving an alert from his front door camera about someone outside. As he approached the door, he heard BANG! The glass of his front door shattered right in front of him, scathing his forehead, and extensive damage to the front of the home remained.

Front Entryway Damage

Overhead Entryway Damage

Front Door Damage

Officers learned that what they originally thought was a gunshot, was actually a firework. It was thrown against the house by suspects who fled the area.

Using neighborhood surveillance videos, in conjunction with police databases, officers were able to identify and arrest Daniel J. Traynor, age 18, and Eliyzar R. Frias, age 19.

Both were booked into jail on June 19, 2024 for the following charges:

· Arson of an Occupied Structure, Class 2 Felony

· Aggravated Assault, Class 3 Felony

· Criminal Damage, Class 6 Felony

Daniel Traynor

Eliyzar Frias

Fireworks can be fun and we want everyone to enjoy the upcoming holiday, safely! Mesa police officers will be out and about enforcing firework laws and arresting anyone who violates them. 

For more information on when fireworks can be used, which fireworks are legal, and how to report illegal firework activity, click HERE