Eight of its nine members were women, say police.
The ring has been linked to at least 60 break-ins in Greensboro, High Point and Thomasville. Police say the group brought in other friends when they were short-handed, and that they often targeted people they knew.
“I think the chief said he couldn't remember a female we'd arrested for burglary,” said Lt. Jeff Blank of the Greensboro police department's property crime division. “This time it's eight of them and one man.”
Women sometimes act as lookouts or drivers in burglaries, Blank said, but aren't often involved in the actual break-ins.
“We're not sure why it happened that way this time,” Blank said. “From the interviews it looks like they got together a group and when one person wasn't available they'd just bring in another one of their friends.”
Blank said that many burglars don't target people they know, but many of this ring's victims were friends and acquaintances.
They operated for about a year and a half, stealing large flat-screen televisions, DVD players, other high-end electronics and cash, police said.
Police began investigating in August and, after the first few suspects were arrested, the group was linked to dozens of burglaries in the Triad.
Charges ranged from breaking and entering to larceny and intimidation of a state witness. Those charged are:
Barbara Williams Ahmad, 44, and Margie Annette Arroyo, 29, both of 305 Sunset Drive, High Point; Crystal Dominguez Artega, 35, of 208 Ashwood Circle, Asheboro; Victoria Gail Driggers, 16, of 107 Doak St., Thomasville; Lori Ann Johnson, 25, and Javier Estrada Soto, 24, both of 503 N. Centennial St., High Point; Billie Sue Mejia, 34, of 622 South Road, High Point; Brittina Vanmetre-Valdez, 20, of 619 Granby Ave., High Point; and Elizabeth LaDawn Williams, 25, of 110 Hodgin St., High Point.
*****
Dumb Crook News: the Soap Opera Division ... this one is funny crooks targeting their friends - some friends they are!
No comments:
Post a Comment