1. Leticia Martinez Perez stealing underwear
2. Leticia Martinez Perez accused of stealing lingerie worth $14K.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
A 24-year-old woman, Leticia Martinez Perez, has been taken into custody on suspicion of committing a spree of underwear thefts at Victoria’s Secret stores in west Phoenix. The alleged thefts took place between November and March at various locations in Phoenix and Glendale, with a total value of stolen merchandise exceeding $14,000.
Referred to by police as the “Thong Thief,” Perez is said to have carried out nine separate thefts, beginning on November 29 at Desert Sky Mall near 75th Avenue and Thomas Road. All of the Phoenix incidents occurred at this location, according to police records. The thefts continued on January 10, twice on January 23, January 26, January 31, February 1, and March 8. The final reported theft occurred on March 20 at Arrowhead Mall near 75th Avenue and Bell Road in Glendale.
While Perez allegedly acted alone during the Phoenix thefts, she reportedly had assistance during the Glendale incident. Glendale police identified a male accomplice by matching his face with surveillance photos from the store. The man confirmed his involvement, stating he could not recall the specifics of the incident and was unaware of Perez’s intentions with the stolen underwear.
Authorities apprehended Perez on May 15 near 83rd Avenue and McDowell Road. Despite her denial of ever visiting Glendale, she confessed during a post-Miranda interview to being the person depicted in the surveillance images from all nine incidents.
Perez explained that the initial theft in November was spurred by information about understaffing at the Desert Sky Mall location, making it an easy target. Subsequent incidents were carried out with the intention of selling the stolen items to fund drug purchases or secure accommodation for a night. She admitted to being aware of the illegality of her actions and has been charged with 20 counts of organized retail theft.
Elena Santa Cruz, a criminal justice reporter for The Republic, can be reached at elena.santacruz@gannett.com. For updates, follow her on Twitter @ecsantacruz3.
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Leticia Martinez Perez accused of stealing worth of underwear
Leticia Martinez Perez accused of stealing worth of underwear.
