Fresno police arrest 3 women gang members in robbery case

Fresno police wrapped up a Walmart robbery case from June with the arrest of three women gang members, Sgt. Tony Bustos announced Sunday — and cracked a check scam at the same time.

During the June 9 robbery at the Walmart on Herndon Avenue at Ingram Avenue in northwest Fresno, store security officers said they were attacked by the women while the women were stealing items.

On June 25, three women attacked a man and stole his bicycle near First Street and McKinley Avenue. Each time, witnesses reported seeing the women in a white Chevrolet Tahoe.

Officers found the Tahoe during a July 12 traffic stop, Bustos said, and detective Donnie Dinnell began working the case. Dinnell identified the suspects and convinced one to turn herself in Saturday. That led police to a southeast Fresno home where they caught the other two women.

Police did not identify which woman was arrested first, but Bustos identified the women as gang member Monica Cortez, 32, and gang associates Breanna Cortez, 20, and Thannya Tejadilla, 18. Bustos said Dinnell determined that in addition to the robberies, the Cortezes passed over 26 fraudulent checks at a local credit union, stealing over $15,000. Dinnell was able to recover most of the stolen money and property.

Monica Cortez was booked into Fresno County Jail on 122 felonies and 11 misdemeanors for her part in the crimes. Breanna Cortez was booked on five felonies. Tejadilla was booked for the two robbery cases.

This story was originally published July 19, 2015 at 5:39 PM with the headline "Fresno police arrest 3 women gang members in robbery case."