53 already arrested in Phoenix crime sweep with new twist
Reported by: Jennifer Parks
Email: jparks@abc15.com
Last Update: 2:27 pm



PHOENIX – Fifty-three suspects were taken into custody following Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpraio’s latest crime suppression operation, which will continue on Sunday evening.

It could have been any other Saturday night at the El Gran Mercado, but there was nothing festive about the raid going on there.

Sheriff Joe Arpaio said he had a tip vendors at this Mercado were breaking the law selling counterfeit DVDs and CDs.

Arpaio said investigators in the recording industry asked for his help because this Mercado was caught selling pirated movies before.

Deputy Lindsey Smith said 24 suspects caught on Saturday were in the country illegally.

Some protesters like Michelle Brians expressed concern over arresting the vendors, who are also suspected of being in the country illegally.

The suspects were arrested for various crimes ranging from drug possession and DUI to driving on a suspended license, according to Smith.

There were seven warrants cleared, including one for child support. Some of the other warrants reportedly consisted of issuing bad checks, probation violation, and vehicle theft.

Ten of the 53 total arrests stemmed from the thousands of DVDs seized at the Mercado, valued around $100,000. Some of the noted DVD titles apparently included movies currently in theaters, District 9 and G.I. Joe.

The latest crime sweep targeted areas between Baseline and Indian School roads from 19th to 51st avenues.

Sheriff Arpaio will be at the command center to begin the second day of the operation on Sunday at 5 p.m.


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