Police arrest 7 in large organized retail theft ring

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - Authorities have arrested seven people accused of stealing over $50,000 worth of merchandise during 49 incidents of theft in valley retail stores.

The Phoenix Police Department says the suspects stole $50,043 worth of merchandise from Macy's, Burlington Coat Factory, TJ Maxx and Marshalls stores in Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale and Avondale.

Police say during the thefts, high-dollar merchandise, such as designer handbags, clothing and sunglasses, were taken. The thefts occurred between May 7 and September 3.

During their investigation, police learned the suspects entered the stores individually or as a group, and walked out with the merchandise without paying.

On September 10, all seven suspects were arrested. They are 26-year-old James Vasquez (shown in the surveillance video), 23-year-old Eric Camarena, 22-year-old Carolina Maldonado, 26-year-old Michael Galindo, 24-year-old Alex Galindo, 21-year-old Leonel Duarte and 28-year-old Rene Camarena.

Police say all of the suspects admitted to taking part in the thefts.