Effective resolution of retail crime incidents is critical for ensuring the safety of employees, protecting businesses, and deterring future incidents. This case study highlights the successful resolution of an organized retail crime (ORC) case involving two defendants targeting a national drugstore retailer in Tucson, AZ.
Through ALTO’s partnership with the local legal system, both defendants were held accountable and faced appropriate legal consequences, contributing to improved store safety and a safer community.
Case Overview
The investigation and court proceedings for this case unfolded over the course of a year—highlighting both the intricate effort required to achieve justice and the vital collaboration with legal entities needed to advance cases toward resolution. Through these efforts, ALTO remained actively engaged, coordinating with the Tucson legal system and retail representatives to track case status and provide the store with comprehensive legal advocacy.
In January 2024, the Tucson Police Department launched an investigation. By February 2024, warrants were issued for both defendants after they failed to appear at their arraignments. In August 2024, Tucson Police successfully apprehended both individuals.
Between October and December 2024, the ALTO legal team attended several court hearings related to plea agreements, sentencing terms, and additional restitution. They also collaborated closely with prosecutors for case status updates, ensuring the retailer remained fully updated throughout the process.
In January 2025, the case reached its conclusion as both defendants received their final sentencing:
- Defendant A pled guilty to felony Organized Retail Theft and was sentenced to pay $8,239.10 in restitution, along with additional court-ordered conditions.
- Defendant B also pled guilty to felony Organized Retail Theft, resulting in a 60-day incarceration, $6,848.79 restitution, 24 months of supervised probation, and a no-contact order with the retailer.
These resolutions highlight ALTO’s crucial role in advancing cases beyond initial apprehension and arrest, ensuring offenders are held fully accountable for their actions through legal processes.
Key Takeaways: ALTO’s Role in Driving Accountability
- Incident Analysis – Building a Strong Case
ALTO’s on-site team collaborated closely with the in-store team and law enforcement to compile comprehensive, actionable evidence. This included surveillance footage, witness statements, and detailed documentation of the thefts, resulting in a clear and compelling case for investigation.
- Collaboration with Community Stakeholders
ALTO’s strong partnerships with legal entities and prosecutors ensure that cases progress seamlessly after an arrest, maintaining momentum and moving efficiently through the judicial system.
- Legal Advocacy – Facilitating Tough Sentencing
ALTO’s legal team worked closely with both the store team and the legal system, ensuring open communication and advocating for the store’s best interests throughout court proceedings. They pushed for meaningful consequences to deter future offenses by these defendants. By securing outcomes directly tied to retail protection—such as restitution and no-contact orders—ALTO ensured the offenses were addressed with appropriate and impactful measures.
By ensuring justice is pursued and achieved, ALTO fosters safer environments for both stores and staff. Through a combination of preventative measures and meaningful consequences, ALTO breaks cycles of recidivism, enabling businesses to remain focused on their daily operations. By holding retail crime accountable, ALTO is building stronger, more secure communities for everyone.
