PHOENIX — A Phoenix family has been arrested on suspicion of organized retail theft and refund fraud.
Phoenix police began investigating the family after representatives from Toys R Us called about a crew of people shoplifting and returning stolen merchandise for a refund.
Detectives said 44-year-old Lester Kilpatrick, his adult daughters Amanda and Jordan, and Brandon Muchow worked together to shoplift from several stores around the Phoenix metro area.
The family and Muchow would often take the stolen items, return them for a refund on a gift card then sell the card to a reseller. Police said the family admitted to the retail theft and used the money to support their heroin addictions.
Police booked Muchow, Lester and Jordan on Thursday. Amanda was processed but released for a medical issue.