The suspects have been connected to at least 12 thefts at Target stores across Arizona, police say.
TUCSON, Ariz. — Three people are facing criminal charges after they were allegedly involved in stealing over $74,000 in merchandise from Target stores across the Phoenix and Tucson areas.
Starting on March 16, a trio of suspects began stealing a large amount of cosmetics and skin-care products from Target stores in the East Valley. Store surveillance footage shows the suspects dumping large quantities of products into a plastic bin, covering the bin with clothing items, then walking out of the Target store.
By March 27, the suspects had allegedly stolen $35,000 worth of stolen goods from Target.
The Tucson Police Department was notified by Target that the suspects may be traveling from Phoenix to Tucson to commit more thefts. When Tucson police was receiving this information, the trio had already stolen $18,500 worth of merchandise from three local stores.
Tucson police officers were dispatched to a Target store near 22nd Street and Old Spanish Trail where they allegedly observed the trio arriving at the store and stealing $6,000 in cosmetics. After leaving the Target, officers conducted a traffic stop and took the three individuals into custody on March 27.
The trio was connected to at least 12 retails thefts in Arizona and police returned the stolen goods to Target.
The suspects have been identified as Dorinta Velcu, 27, Franchesca Traila, 21, and a 16-year-old girl. The women were booked into jail and the teenager was cited and released.
Tucson police said the investigation is ongoing and more charges may be filed.
