Cornville AZ (June 29, 2016) – UPDATE – Detectives are seeking the identity of the 2nd suspect in this case. She is described a white female, blonde hair, 200-220lbs, and approximately 5-06 to 5-08 tall. Please see the included video surveillance photos of the 2nd suspect taken on June 9, 2016, in the Sedona area. She was with suspect Lomeli at the time.
If anyone has information further information regarding this suspect’s identity, please call Detective Todd Swaim at 928-554-8605 or Yavapai Silent Witness at 1800-932-3232. If the caller’s tip to Silent Witness leads to an arrest, a cash reward will be offered.
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CRIME PREVENTION TIP – When parking your vehicle at any trail head parking area, REMOVE VALUABLES. There are suspects continually watching these areas knowing that vehicles will be left unattended for long periods of time. If you see something suspicious, please contact your local law enforcement agency.
Cornville AZ (June 16, 2016) – On June 6, 2016, YCSO deputies were dispatched to the Mormon’s Crossing Day Use parking lot in Cornville regarding 2 vehicle burglaries. Two female adult victims had parked their respective vehicles at the location to access the nearby creek. When they returned to the parking area, both realized their purses and wallets had been stolen. Although no signs of forced entry were discovered, the victims told deputies the vehicles had been locked. An additional 3rd vehicle burglary was also reported.
One of the victim’s called her credit card company and learned the suspects already used her card twice at a gas station/convenience store in Sedona. A deputy went to the location and confirmed at least one purchase of beer and cigarettes with the stolen credit card. A gas purchase was also made. The deputy also obtained photographs of the 2 suspects from the surveillance video and sent this information to area law enforcement agencies.
On June 13, 2016, a detective from the Cottonwood Police Department contacted YCSO detectives and provided information regarding the arrest of female who appeared to match one of the suspects in the surveillance photos. The Cottonwood PD arrest was unrelated to the YCSO investigation. The YCSO detective contacted 26-year-old Meissa Lomeli from Cottonwood and immediately identified her as one of the suspects. A vehicle that Cottonwood Police seized in their case also matched the description of the vehicle seen at the Sedona convenience store – a dark colored SUV.
When questioned, Lomeli denied participating in the burglaries or being present and purchasing items at the Sedona gas station. After seeing photos of herself, she refused to discuss the case further or identify her accomplice. During additional follow-up, detectives found a receipt for an $1100 bank check in Lomeli’s vehicle and discovered the check was stolen and cashed using the victim’s identity.
The YCSO detective additionally charged Lomeli with Burglary, Theft, Theft of a Credit Card, Fraudulent use of a Credit Card and Criminal impersonation. She remains in the Camp Verde Detention Center on a total bond of $12,500.
Detectives are seeking the identity of the 2nd suspect in this case. She is described a white female, blonde hair, 200-220lbs, and approximately 5-06 to 5-08 tall. The media office is working to obtain high resolution video surveillance photos of the 2nd suspect and will share them once available. If anyone has information further information regarding Lomeli or her accomplice, please call Detective Todd Swaim at 928-554-8605 or Yavapai Silent Witness at 1800-932-3232. If the caller’s tip to Silent Witness leads to an arrest, a cash reward will be offered.
Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at 928-771-3260 or the YCSO website: www.ycsoaz.gov