Suspects allegedly scam friend into financing tech, then stole it all

Three men allegedly involved in a theft scheme of high-value gadgets have been investigated by the Lacey Police Department (LPD), with one of the suspects already in police custody.

According to a police report, the victim, Chandler Gregoire, reported the theft of a PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and iPhone to LPD on January 14.

The suspects reportedly made off with the items after enticing the victim with a financing option at a store called The Phone Guys.

The incident started when the victim responded to a Facebook message from an acquaintance named James Elmlund and was lured into the scheme under the pretext of acquiring a PlayStation 5 through a special financing deal.

Accompanied by two other individuals, Miguel Santos Maciuxtle and Victor Mario Wardell, the suspects drove the victim to The Phone Guys store, where he purchased multiple gadgets, not just the PS5 as initially intended.

However, upon arrival in the parking lot, the suspects abruptly snatched the items and fled.

“James appeared excited about Chandler having purchased the PS5 and asked Chandler to open the box so he could “look at it”. When Chandler opened the box, James grabbed all of the items, placed them in the vehicle, then James, Miguel and Victor all left in the vehicle,” LPD stated in the police report.

Investigations revealed that the suspects had a history of similar criminal activities, including attempting to sell stolen goods in neighboring areas.

Authorities got hold of the owner of the suspects’ getaway car, Miguel’s mother, who confirmed that her son and two friends stole several gadgets.

“Patricia stated her son Miguel, and his two friends Victor and James had stolen a PS5, an Apple watch, a Nintendo Switch and an Apple iPhone from someone. Patricia advised the men did not tell her this directly, however she overheard them talking about it while they were in her home,” LPD stated after their interview with one of the suspect’s mother.

Maciuxtle , one of the suspects, contacted LPD and said he will talk authorities and went to Shelton Police Department (SPD), which is nearer to him.

SPD turned over the suspect to LPD, where he was placed under arrest and transported to the Thurston County Jail on charges of second-degree theft after stealing the victim’s gadgets, worth $2,366.

The investigation also led to the recovery of some of the stolen items, including an Apple iPhone, which was returned to the rightful owner.

Meanwhile, Wardell , another suspect involved in the case, has indicated his intention to surrender to authorities, according to a communication from the Shelton Police Department.

However, Wardell has yet to surrender.

One suspect, Elmlund, remains at large, with authorities continuing their efforts to locate and apprehend him in connection with the theft scheme.

Furthermore, The Phone Guys store has trespassed all three suspects from their premises.