Glendale woman a professor in beer run techniques
On February 25, 2014 a suspect was arrested by Phoenix Police for shoplifting two 18 packs of beer from a local Circle K convenience store. The suspect admitted to stealing the beer with the intent to sell it to a person known to him as “mama” who lives in an apartment at 2760 E. Weir Av. in Phoenix. The suspect told police everyone from the neighborhood takes their stolen beer to “mama”.
The information was passed on to detectives from the Phoenix Police Business and Economic Security Team and the detectives were able to establish that Irene Gonzales was the women who had been purchasing stolen beer. In cooperation with Corporate Security from Circle K, detectives initiated an investigation into the activities of Gonzalez.
Between February 27th and March 28th, 2014 undercover detectives were able to sell at total of 8 30 packs of beer, provided by Circle K for the investigation, to Gonzalez for an average of $15.00 per 30 pack. Gonzales told officers she also sells individual beers for $1.00 per can.
On April 17th, 2014 Phoenix Police served a search warrant on Gonzalez’ apartment. At that time detectives found 26 cases of beer and several individual beers inside the home. Over $5600.00 in cash was also confiscated. Irene Gonzalez was arrested and later booked on 4 counts of Trafficking in Stolen Property and one count of Liquor Sales without a License.
Over the course of this investigation, and during contacts with Gonzalez she tutored the undercover officers on best practices for beer runs. Gonzalez advised that beer runs should not be conducted on Fridays because these were pay days and too many people would be cashing their checks. The suspect said Mondays were best because it is safer.
Gonzalez told detectives they should steal “Budweiser” and “Budweiser Light” beer because these were the most popular brands for re-sale. Gonzalez also advised one detective that he should use a “friend” because they could steal more beer that way. During one contact Gonzalez warned the detectives to be careful because there were undercover police in the area.