It’s taken almost a year for detectives to untangle a web of theft-related crimes that has resulted in 104 indictments against 14 people.
The elaborate network of people linked to the burglary ring is being called a “criminal enterprise” by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
So far 11 people have been arrested and arrest warrants are outstanding on three women in connection with charges that include theft, money laundering, forgery and trafficking in stolen property.
The case started in August 2011 when a home in the 1500 block of North Blue Ridge Road, on Tucson’s west side, was burglarized while the owner was on vacation. A 2,000 pound safe containing $500,000 in valuables was stolen.
The property belonged to a man who had, months earlier, purchased jewelry and collectibles from Soccorro Juan “Johnny” Morales and Francisca Morales, two of the people now linked to the burglary ring, according to a Sheriff’s Department news release. Soccorro Morales eventually was arrested and subsequently released from the Pima County jail. Deputies are still looking for Francisca Morales.
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The burglary victim is “a fine person who was way too trusting,” says Deputy Tom Peine, the department’s spokesman.
The man contacted the pair in March 2011 about purchasing jewelry they were offering for sale. The trio met several times at the victim’s home before the August 2011 break-in. Because the investigation is ongoing, Peine would provide no further details about the business transactions.
During the course of the investigation, a few of the stolen items have been located, but most remain missing.
In January search warrants were issued for four locations where evidence was recovered. Sheriff’s detectives linked some of the evidence to other cases being investigated through their department and through the Tucson Police Department. Further details about the linked evidence were not provided.
Detectives continue to look for three women in connection with the alleged ring who have been indicted on multiple theft-related charges. In addition to Francisca Morales, 36, they are trying to find Ramona Rios Molina, 58, and Leticia Guadalupe Solis, 44,. All three are wanted on various criminal charges that include illegally conducting an enterprise, money laundering, theft, conspiracy to commit theft, trafficking in stolen property and forgery.
Anyone with information on their whereabouts or the ring can call 911 or 88-CRIME.
Contact reporter Kimberly Matas at kmatas@azstarnet.com or 573-4191.
