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| Manal Martinez Aljoborri |
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| Joseph Chase |
On August 17, 2025, Mesa Police officers responded to a report of a residential burglary at an apartment near Recker Road and Brown Road. The victim, who had been away from the residence for several weeks, returned to find his home ransacked and numerous items missing. Property stolen included several televisions, gaming consoles, personal belongings, and a Marlin .45-70 lever action rifle with accessories.
Mesa Crime Scene Specialists processed the scene and
collected evidence, including fingerprints. Forensic analysis later identified
a match belonging to 36-year-old Manal Martinez Aljoborri, who
resided in the same complex. Investigators also identified her boyfriend, 45-year-old
Joseph Chase, as a possible suspect. Both are convicted felons and
prohibited from possessing firearms. Aljoborri also had active Mesa warrants at
the time.
Working with Maricopa County Adult Probation, detectives
arranged a meeting with Aljoborri on September 25, 2025. She was taken into
custody without incident. A probation search of her residence led to the
recovery of multiple items stolen from the victim’s home, including
televisions, gaming consoles, personal memorabilia, and the stolen Marlin
rifle. Chase was also located at the residence and detained.
During interviews, both suspects admitted to entering the victim’s residence and taking property. Chase confirmed his involvement in stealing the firearm, while Aljoborri acknowledged taking additional items, including sports memorabilia with the victim’s name. Both suspects admitted to knowing they were prohibited from possessing firearms due to their felony convictions.
Both Aljoborri and Chase were arrested and booked into the Mesa City Detention Facility.
They face charges including:
- Burglary
in the Second Degree (ARS 13-1507A)
- Theft/Control
of Stolen Property (ARS 13-1802A1)
- Prohibited
Possessor of a Firearm (ARS 13-3102A4)
The stolen property was returned to the victim.
This case is an example of the persistence and teamwork
between patrol officers, detectives, forensic specialists, and probation
officers. Their thorough follow-up not only held the suspects accountable but
also ensured the victim’s property was returned — including the recovery of a
stolen firearm that could have posed a serious risk to the community.
