53-yr-old Martha Fonseca of Phoenix was stopped for speeding and found with thousands of dollars worth of stolen merchandise from Prescott Gateway Mall
Sedona AZ (July 31, 2013) – On July 25, 2013, a Yavapai County Sheriff’s K9 deputy stopped a van travelling south on Arizona Interstate 17 in the Cordes Junction area for a moving violation. During contact with the driver, 53-year-old Martha Fonseca from Phoenix and her male passenger, the deputy detected an odor of marijuana.
The YCSO deputy deployed his K9 partner who verified the odor by alerting to a door seam of the van. The resulting search revealed a back seat full of brand new merchandise with original store security tags still attached. Items included several purses and various clothing.
During the investigation, detectives learned Fonseca had shoplifted the merchandise from a department store in the Prescott Gateway Mall the previous day. A deputy contacted store security personnel at the identified business and they were unaware of the loss. It was quickly verified that the items had been stolen from their store.
The value of the recovered property is estimated to be $2200 dollars. Some of the stolen purses retailed for over $350 each.
Deputies learned Fonseca intended to sell the stolen goods in the Flagstaff area to cover debts. The male passenger was cooperative and determined to be not involved in the shoplifting incident. He was released at the scene.
Fonseca was booked at the Camp Verde Detention Center on charges including Theft and Control of Stolen Property. She has since been released after posting a $10,000 bond.
Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at 928-771-3260 or the YCSO website at www.ycsoaz.gov.
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bad lady – good dog – stupid security system – smart deputy – whatta world
This will get me in deep trouble, but Mom thinks that Nosey K9 should go sniff out City Halt and another place . . . hmm . . . the Chamber of something-or-other like Bleep, Bleep, Bleep. So, Nosey K9, hope to see you round and keep up the good work.
Lovingly,
Harley McGuire
I have been noticing the YCSO takes photographs that aren’t standard professional for arrested perps. People can close their eyes, look down at the floor, have hair in their faces, slouch, scowl, grin and we aren’t provided with tattoo ids. The object of the photographs is to allow the public to identify suspects and possibly identify suspects that victimized them and for law enforcement personnel use. As a retired security guy I think those photographs should be cleaned up and retaken. The YCSO isn’t putting out photographs for Facebook.
Harley McGuire, you are OK in my book. In fact, you and Nosey K9 would make good candidates for mayor or city council. Between the two of you Sedona politics would get a clean sweep is my bet.