Two suspects have been
arrested after months of stealing from Walmart stores in several western
states. Mary Garcia, age 47, and Melinda Rodriguez, age 38, were arrested on
June 17, 2021 and face numerous counts of Organized Retail Theft.
The investigation began
in March of 2021 when Walmart Loss Prevention noticed a series of suspicious
transactions involving an in-store scanning app. The suspects would
enter the stores and scan the items using a smart phone in order to use the
quick pay at the checkout. The problem was once they reached the
checkout, payment was bypassed, and they simply walked out with the unpaid
merchandise. By using the app, the suspect gave the appearance that
they were paying for the items.
Working with Walmart
Loss Prevention, the suspects were tracked using the same tactic for thefts in Arizona,
California, Utah, Colorado and Texas. In Maricopa County alone, Garcia
was responsible for approximately $72,000 and Rodriguez approximately $34,000
in stolen items.
Thanks to the strong
partnership between Walmart and the Mesa Police Department, thefts like this
are not overlooked. Thefts of this type can cause retailers to raise
prices to compensate for loss. By arresting thieves who steal large amounts of
merchandise, prices are kept at bay for the everyday honest consumer.
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| Mary Garcia |
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| Melinda Rodriguez |
