Detectives and deputies with the Spokane Valley Police Department partner with Store Loss Prevention for an initiative to deter retail theft. Five of the nine subjects were arrested.

• 25-year-old Mercedes A. Finely allegedly placed items in a shopping card. Loss Prevention said Finley had previously stolen merchandise from the retailer. Finely’s failed attempt to steal two pieces of merchandise resulted in a third-degree theft charge. Detectives transported Finely to the Spokane County Jail where she was immediately released on her own recognizance.
• 42-year-old Nicole D. Cook unlawfully took items from a retailer. Cook was accompanied by 60-year-old Gene R. McDonald. Detectives charged Cook with third-degree theft and possession of a dangerous weapon after brass knuckles were found on her person. McDonald was not charged.
• 38-year-old Howard B. Miller was determined to have stolen items from the retailer on December 11, 2023. Miller had valid warrants for his arrest (obstructing law enforcement and third-degree theft). Detectives charged Miller with third-degree theft from the December 11^th retail theft incident. Miller was booked into jail for the valid warrants with a $2,000 bond.
• Two males were identified and not charged. One of the subjects left the intended merchandise in the store. The other subject paid for some of the merchandise. Deputies made contact with the subject but could not establish cause to charge him with theft. The subject was determined to be driving on a suspended license. Deputies charged and released the individual.