Alamogordo women accused of stealing $1,000 in merchandise from J.C. Penney

Las Cruces police arrested two Alamogordo women suspected of shoplifting more than $1,000 in merchandise from the J.C. Penney store at the Mesilla Valley Mall.

Deandra Cordova, 32, and Michelle Perea, 40, were arrested Saturday August 12, 2017. Cordova is charged with fourth-degree felony counts of shoplifting and conspiracy. Perea is charged with a fourth-degree felony count of conspiracy and a misdemeanor count of shoplifting.

Shortly before 9pm Saturday, J.C. Penney loss prevention told police two women were concealing a large amount of merchandise. One of the suspects had already left the store. The police officer located Perea in the parking lot and Cordova in a white Hyundai near the east entrance to the store, police said.

Investigators learned Perea drove Cordova from Alamogordo to Las Cruces to go shopping. Perea allegedly admitted she knew Cordova was planning to steal clothing from J.C. Penney, police said.

An investigation allegedly revealed Cordova and Perea entered J.C. Penney separately. Once inside the store, they communicated via their cell phones.

Perea allegedly as a lookout for Cordova. Police said both women are suspected of concealing clothing in bags before leaving the store without paying.

Cordova is accused of stealing $831 worth of clothing from J.C. Penney while Perea is believed to have taken $391 worth of clothing from the store.

Cordova and Perea were booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center where they both were initially held without bond.