Richland PD uncovers major crime organization
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RICHLAND, Wash. - It's taken months of investigation to track down dozens of suspects accused of stealing your stuff and ripping off your identities.
You may have noticed a lot of Richland Police cruisers in recent months.
"I've seen the under cover cars driving around more than normal and there's been a lot more police action activity," said Robert Cruet
And now we know why.
What started out as a simple police investigation involving the suspicious use of a gift card quickly snow balled into something much bigger than they ever imagined.
Thieves attempting to defraud a Les Schwab led police to something much bigger, a high level criminal organization.
Long time resident and business owner Robert Cruet wasn't shocked.
"I've thought that before, that we have problems in the community because it's such a nice community and we're being targeted," he said.
Police tell KEPR Richland was homebase to the crime ring. The crooks stole checks and credit card numbers for their own use. Anything that wasn't nailed down was also a target. The money went to finance drug trafficking.
As they peeled back the layers on this crime ring 36 arrests were made over 10 months. Suspects face charges from armed robbery to identity theft, fraud, forgery and drugs. Police seized stolen property, drugs and more than $60,000 in cash so far.
The crime ring is so massive, Benton County dedicated two prosecutors to work full time alongside officers.
"There was a quick turnaround when things came in. They got taken care of quickly," said prosecutor Megan Whitmier.
There's no telling how big a dent police put on crime in this region but residents like Robert plan to keep an eye out.
"Oh I'm gonna be a little more careful, a lot more careful," he said.
Hoping never to be a victim.
Police expect more arrests could come as the investigation gave them new avenues to follow. Richland was helped by Kennewick, Pasco and Walla Walla Police in addition to the Benton County Sheriff's Department.
You may have noticed a lot of Richland Police cruisers in recent months.
"I've seen the under cover cars driving around more than normal and there's been a lot more police action activity," said Robert Cruet
And now we know why.
What started out as a simple police investigation involving the suspicious use of a gift card quickly snow balled into something much bigger than they ever imagined.
Thieves attempting to defraud a Les Schwab led police to something much bigger, a high level criminal organization.
Long time resident and business owner Robert Cruet wasn't shocked.
"I've thought that before, that we have problems in the community because it's such a nice community and we're being targeted," he said.
Police tell KEPR Richland was homebase to the crime ring. The crooks stole checks and credit card numbers for their own use. Anything that wasn't nailed down was also a target. The money went to finance drug trafficking.
As they peeled back the layers on this crime ring 36 arrests were made over 10 months. Suspects face charges from armed robbery to identity theft, fraud, forgery and drugs. Police seized stolen property, drugs and more than $60,000 in cash so far.
The crime ring is so massive, Benton County dedicated two prosecutors to work full time alongside officers.
"There was a quick turnaround when things came in. They got taken care of quickly," said prosecutor Megan Whitmier.
There's no telling how big a dent police put on crime in this region but residents like Robert plan to keep an eye out.
"Oh I'm gonna be a little more careful, a lot more careful," he said.
Hoping never to be a victim.
Police expect more arrests could come as the investigation gave them new avenues to follow. Richland was helped by Kennewick, Pasco and Walla Walla Police in addition to the Benton County Sheriff's Department.
