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

• 
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.