In El Mirage, AZ, authorities have detained multiple individuals in a widespread crackdown on criminal activity.
Starting in 2022, an investigation was conducted by the El Mirage Police Department into an alleged organization that was suspected of engaging in theft, trafficking of stolen goods, and drug dealing.
The inquiry involved numerous hours of monitoring and was ultimately linked to a continuous investigation conducted by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. This investigation was focused on cases of stolen goods and residential break-ins.
During the month of May in 2022, a total of 10 suspects were arrested and over 200 pieces of evidence, including stolen vehicles, were confiscated as a result of three warrants executed by both agencies.
In the course of further inquiries into 2023, El Mirage PD apprehended more suspects and exposed multiple offenses committed by the group.
The offenses listed consist of engaging in money laundering, running an unlawful operation, trading in stolen goods, and selling drugs.
Following additional inquiries, law enforcement officials were able to determine that Craig Wood was the mastermind and head of the illicit operation. On the date of Tuesday, March 5, 2024, the collaborative efforts of multiple agencies and the Street Gang Task Force resulted in the apprehension of various members of the group, among them Wood who was found in possession of a stolen motorcycle at the time of his arrest.
- Craig Wood, 42
- Scott Rankin, 37
- Dennis Willie, 44
- Frank Harrison, 37
- Gary Banks, 58
- Lori McEachern, 66
- Richard Black, 59
- Todd Garland, 46
- Jacklyn Buntin, 33
Craig Wood, 42
- Illegal Control of Enterprise
- Conspiracy to Commit conducting a chop shop
- Conspiracy to Commit Trafficking in Stolen Property
- Trafficking in Stolen Property
- Conspiracy to Commit Possession of Narcotic Drugs for Sale
- Two counts Sale and Transportation of Narcotic Drugs
- Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Means of
- Transportation
- Aggravated Taking the Identity of Another
- Attempt to Traffick in the Identity of Another
- Possession or Use of Narcotic Drugs
Scott Rankin, 37
- Illegal Control of an Enterprise
- Conspiracy to Commit Conducting a chop shop
- Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Means of Transportation
- Aggravated Identity Theft
- Forgery
- Theft and Sales of Stolen Property
- Trafficking in Stolen Property
Dennis Willie, 44
- Illegal Control of an Enterprise
- Conspiracy to Commit conducting a chop shop
- Trafficking in Stolen Property
- Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Means of
- Transportation
- 3 counts Theft of Means of Transportation Misconduct involving weapons c41
- 2 counts Unlawful Flight from Law Enforcement
Frank Harrison, 37
- Illegal Control of an Enterprise
- Conspiracy to Commit conducting a chop shop
- Trafficking in Stolen Property
- Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Means of
- Transportation
- Theft of Means of Transportation
- Theft
Gary Banks, 58
- Illegal Control of an Enterprise
- Conspiracy to Commit conducting a chop shop
- Conspiracy to Commit Trafficking in Stolen Property
- Trafficking in Stolen Property
Richard Black, 59
- Illegal Control of an Enterprise
- Conspiracy to Commit conducting a chop shop
- Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Means of
- Transportation
- 3 counts Theft of Means of Transportation
- Possession or Use of Dangerous Drug
Lori McEachern, 66
- Illegal Control of an Enterprise
- Conspiracy to Commit conducting a chop shop
- Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Means of
- Transportation
- Theft of Means of Transportation
Todd Garland, 46
- Theft of Means of Transportation
- Possession of a dangerous drug
Jacklyn Buntin, 33
- Probation Violation (Dangerous drugs)
According to El Mirage Police Chief Paul Marzocca, the group of criminals joined forces to carry out acts of theft, sale of stolen items, and trade of illegal drugs for stolen goods.
Chief Marzocca commends the hard work of his officers and MCSO detectives for their efforts in bringing these criminals to justice, as they have caused harm to many members of the community. The investigation involved extensive follow-up and examination of financial documents and evidence to establish charges of money laundering, drug distribution, and theft. This relentless pursuit has undoubtedly made a positive impact on the overall well-being of the neighborhood and the community.