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PHOENIX (KSAZ/AP) - A married couple who worked as detectives for the state Department of Economic Security and the Phoenix Police Department face felony charges in the alleged thefts and pawning of state-owned guns and other equipment.
Now-former DES Detective Autumn Maya is accused of theft, fraud, forgery, trafficking in stolen property, money laundering and conspiracy. Police believe Autumn stole more than $3,000 worth of evidence funds from an envelope she had access to at DES, by replacing the money with paper cutout of bills. Police also believe Autumn pawned department issued guns, as well as body cameras. The cameras reportedly netted around $10,000.
Meanwhile, Phoenix Police Detective Michael Maya is accused of trafficking in stolen property, money laundering and conspiracy. Michael has been with Phoenix Police for 24 years.
The DES fired Autumn Maya Wednesday. Phoenix Police officials say proceedings to terminate Michael Maya are underway. Arizona's Department of Public Safety began investigating, after nearly $3,500 in cash turned up missing from a DES evidence safe.
The Mayas were arrested Wednesday and remain jailed. On Thursday, neighbors reacted to the Mayas' arrest.
"There were just a bunch of police officers, vehicles," Josh Johnston recounted. Johnston and his family are neighbors to the Mayas, and didn't expect to see cop cars surrounding their home.
"They just said they were collecting evidence," said Johnston. "My wife was here in the morning, and she said there was a SWAT vehicle and all kinds of things."
"I think it's pretty shocking," said Dale Sabic. "I had no idea. When I came home yesterday, there were cops everywhere, and I had no idea what was going on."
The Associated Press (AP) contributed to this report.