Authorities in southern Arizona have made two arrests in connection with an organized retail theft operation. The arrests came as a result of a joint investigation conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies.
A man was reported to the Oro Valley Police Department in October 2023 for allegedly selling stolen goods to a company located in Connecticut.
According to the OVPD, the stolen items were acquired through instances of retail theft.
OVPD, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the U.S. Postal Inspectors worked together with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office to conduct the investigation.
Over the course of more than three years, the involved retailers collaborated with these agencies to collect evidence of the operation.
OVPD has reported that Nicholas Miller, as well as his accomplices, are believed to have stolen merchandise worth more than $2.3 million from several retailers in Oro Valley and the surrounding counties of Pima, Pinal, and Maricopa.
According to OVPD, Miller reportedly sold the stolen merchandise to a retailer in Connecticut and made a profit of over $475,000 from the operation.
On July 24th, law enforcement officials executed a search warrant on two homes, a storage unit, and three vehicles. Further search warrants were also carried out in Connecticut.
As a result of the executed search warrants, law enforcement officials were able to recover stolen merchandise worth over $9,000. Additionally, tens of thousands of dollars worth of collectible items were also retrieved.
According to the OVPD, Miller and Allison Hunt, a suspected co-conspirator, were both taken into custody and booked at the Pima County Adult Detention Center.
According to OVPD Chief Kara Riley, retail theft has a significant impact on both communities and businesses. She expressed appreciation for the partnerships with other agencies that work together to minimize thefts and hold those responsible for committing them accountable.
Authorities are still investigating the matter and anticipate making additional arrests.
