RLP NEWS
Prescott Valley, AZ – On October 21, 2024, Yavapai County Superior Court Judge Michael Bluff sentenced 26-year-old Andrew James Cook, of Prescott Valley, Arizona, to 2.5 years in prison for Organized Retail Theft. In addition, Cook received a concurrent one-year prison sentence for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and six-month jail terms for DUI and Resisting Arrest.
Yavapai County Attorney Dennis McGrane commented on the sentencing, emphasizing the serious impact of retail theft on communities: “Shoplifting and Organized Retail Theft have no place in Yavapai County. These crimes drive up prices for everyone, endanger employees and customers, and can be financially devastating to businesses. I hope this prison sentence serves as a deterrent to others who may consider theft as an option rather than working an honest job.” McGrane praised the Cottonwood Police Department, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, and a Walmart loss prevention officer for their diligent investigations.
The investigation revealed that on November 19, 2023, Cook and an unidentified accomplice stole a display case containing over $1,000 worth of watches from a Walmart in Cottonwood, Arizona. Surveillance footage later identified Cook, who wore a sweatshirt with a local business’s name. This clue led Walmart’s loss prevention officer to confirm his identity.
Six days later, Yavapai County Sheriff’s deputies encountered Cook near a bag of methamphetamine in a vehicle during an unrelated traffic stop. After a brief struggle, Cook was detained, and he later admitted to the watch theft during questioning.