LYNNWOOD– Lynnwood police arrest suspected mastermind of organized shoplifting ring in Snohomish County.
On Monday, August 5, detectives from the Lynnwood Police Department, in cooperation with prosecutors from the Snohomish County District Attorney’s Office, arrested 28-year-old Hayley Natasha Brown at a residence in the 14600 block of 179th Avenue SE in Monroe.
Investigators allege the woman was the mastermind of a sophisticated gift card scam that defrauded hundreds of victims of their gift card balances without their knowledge. One company estimated the damage to its business and customers at nearly $100,000.
When investigators searched her apartment, they found several stolen firearms, including an Uzi-style weapon with a built-in silencer.
Investigators also discovered a credit card embosser, tools for making counterfeit checks, and about a pound of illegal drugs. They also seized about $40,000 in cash.
The woman was arrested on August 5 on charges of organized shoplifting, identity theft, illegal possession of a firearm, possession of stolen weapons, financial fraud and manufacturing/delivery of illegal drugs. Brown was released the next day on $200,000 bail.
Investigators expect further charges and the arrest of additional co-conspirators.
SOURCE: Lynnwood Police Department
