Two people have been arrested in a multi-agency investigation into the theft of more than $2 million in merchandise, Oro Valley police said in a joint news release with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security.
Oro Valley police say they were notified in October 2023 that a local man was allegedly selling stolen merchandise to a company based in Connecticut. Retailers, working with investigators, gathered information that allegedly shows the man and a woman had been stealing and selling merchandise for more than three years, the release said.
The items were allegedly taken from stores in Oro Valley, as well as in Pima, Pinal and Maricopa counties, the release said.
Nicholas Miller, 42,Β made more than $475,000 for his part in the theft ring, Oro Valley police said.
On July 24, a search warrant was issued residences of Miller and Allison Hunt, 50, as well as a storage unit and three vehicles. More than $9,000 worth of merchandise was located, along with βtens of thousands of dollars worth of collectibles,β the release said.
Both Hunt and Miller were booked into the Pima County jail on suspicion of fraud, money laundering, trafficking stolen goods and operating an illegal enterprise.
βRetail theft affects all of our communities, and the businesses within those communities,β said Kara Riley, the Oro Valley police chief. βWe appreciate the partnerships we have with other agencies that help reduce those thefts and hold those committing them accountable.βΒ
Riley says the investigation is ongoing, and more arrests are expected.
