Three people have been charged in connection with so-called “dinner time” robberies around the Valley.
The Maricopa County Attorney's Office announced charges against three suspects: 20-year-old Sue Ellen Gutierrez Saez, 21-year-old Johan Salvo Aracon, and 25-year-old Manuel Eduardo Fuentes Gomez.
Earlier this month, Phoenix police conducted community surveillance in areas where robberies had previously been reported. While there, they spotted several people dressed in black carrying backpacks and witnessed them jumping over a wall and into a residence.
After the arrest, officers found burglary tools, including a window punch tool used to break glass, a screwdriver, a grinder tool, and other items such as cell phones and Wi-Fi jamming devices.
All three suspects were charged with one count of robbery conspiracy and one count of attempted robbery, in addition to the following charges:
- Saez: one count of aggravated assault, a fifth-degree felony; one count of forgery, a fourth-degree felony; The other charge is falsely assuming the identity of another person, a fourth-degree felony.
- Aracon: one count of resisting arrest, a first-degree misdemeanor; Charge of falsely assuming the identity of another, a fourth-degree felony. and one count of forgery, a fourth-degree felony.
- Ferrada: One count of stealing the identity of another, a fourth-degree felony, and one count of forgery, a fourth-degree felony.
Authorities believe the group is part of a large South American criminal organization operating in the United States.
“This is a highly organized and coordinated group that has the means to continue these criminal charges,” said County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. “Thanks to the prosecutors in my office, they are each being held on $200,000 cash-only bail, which will ensure the safety of our neighborhoods and families.”
On Tuesday, Scottsdale residents attended a town hall at Highlands Church to hear from police about their efforts to curb robberies.
“It's on my mind every time I pull into my driveway or leave the house,” said Scottsdale resident Janine Bartnicki.
Scottsdale Police are now increasing heavy patrols in the neighborhood, launching sting operations, prioritizing burglar alarms and issuing charges for false alarms during dinner hours from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. announced that it was exempted.
