Yavapai County Attorney Dennis McGrane announced that on April 4, 2024, a Yavapai County jury convicted Octavius Jones, of Palm Springs, California, of first-degree trafficking in stolen property, possession of a narcotic drug (fentanyl), possession of a dangerous drug (methamphetamine), possession of drug paraphernalia and shoplifting.
County Attorney McGrane thanked the jury for their efforts and commended the Cottonwood Police Department for their thorough investigation. The investigation revealed that Jones had been captured on store surveillance cameras stealing numerous items from a grocery store in Cottonwood, Arizona. Cottonwood Police officers quickly located Jones, but he still had the stolen items in his possession. Jones admitted that he intended to resell the stolen goods. A police dog located Jones' vehicle, which contained approximately 50 grams of fentanyl and 14 grams of methamphetamine.
“Thiefs who plan to steal items from stores and resell them are despicable. They put store employees and customers at risk and cause businesses great losses that can lead to store closures, employee layoffs and higher prices for all of us,” said Yavapai County Attorney Dennis McGrane. “While prosecutors in cities like New York City and San Francisco are often in the news for turning a blind eye to shoplifters and organized retail theft, my office will aggressively prosecute thieves and others who choose to commit crimes in Yavapai County.”
Sentencing is scheduled for Monday, May 13, 2024, before Yavapai County Superior Court Judge Michael Brough. Jones will serve a minimum sentence of four and a half years in Arizona State Prison.
