ARIZONA COMPUTERS STOLEN BY THEFT RINGArizona Daily Sun-
Sun Staff Reporter
11/29/2005

An early morning report of a rape at a home in Tuba City led to the discovery of truckloads of stolen goods that appear to be the proceeds of drug and alcohol transactions.
Six people were arrested in the case.

Michael Begay, senior criminal investigation with Navajo Nation police in Tuba City, said officers served a search warrant on a mobile home in South Tuba City at about 8 a.m. Begay had gone to the home earlier that morning on a report of a sexual assault.

While he was there, Begay said he noticed drug paraphernalia and items known to have been stolen in the area.

"We were able to identify at least one piece of property as stolen property," Begay said.

Among the items recovered from the mobile home were computers linked to area burglaries, power tools, stereo equipment, DVD players and guns.

"You name it, they have it," Begay said. "There's so many things in there."

By 5 p.m. officers will still taking inventory of the stolen property, which was carted off in two truckloads, Begay said.

Although the investigation is in an early stage, Begay said he believes it's likely most of the property was stolen locally.

During the search of the home, officers found meth, but Begay did not know how much meth has been recovered at this time.

He added that it appears the suspects were taking stolen property in exchange for drugs or alcohol. He said he's seen very similar scenarios when making bootlegging busts in the past.

Six people were arrested: Leander Edison, 26, owner of the mobile home in South Tuba City, charged with conspiracy, receiving stolen property, delivery of liquor and criminal nuisance. Joe Bancroft Jr., 27, co-owner of the mobile home, charged with possession of a controlled substance, conspiracy, receiving stolen property, delivery of liquor and criminal nuisance. Lenae Honanie, 19, charged with criminal nuisance. Delphine Johnson, 22, charged with criminal nuisance. Derrick Jasper, 19, charged with criminal nuisance. A 17-year-old boy, charged with criminal nuisance and disorderly conduct.

Begay said several drug charges are pending further investigation, and the sexual assault allegation is still under investigation.

A decision on which jurisdiction will prosecute is still being determined, Begay said.

Larry Hendricks can be reached at lhendricks@azdailysun.com or 556-2262.