51
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — James Lucero, 39, and Abel Baca Jr., 37, were arrested in connection with the theft of over $200,000 in adaptive wheelchairs and equipment from the Carrie Tingley Hospital Foundation in March.
Police say video footage showed multiple suspects cutting locks to access the foundation’s storage facility, then towing a trailer filled with specialized equipment. Five days later, Albuquerque Metal Recycling alerted authorities after a woman attempted to sell 10 wheelchairs while two men waited in a vehicle. Investigators identified Jessica Chavez, 35, after she left her ID behind.
Lucero remains in custody pending trial, while Baca Jr. is expected to appear in court on Tuesday. Authorities continue investigating the case.
