TVPD, in partnership with the Orem Police Department, the Utah Attorney General’s Office and multiple other agencies, arrested several individuals involved in a fraudulent scam. The scam involved multiple suspects using counterfeit currency to purchase merchandise.  

The suspects would then return the merchandise for a cash refund. The scam spread across 13 states in what is being coined as a “traveling theft ring." The total loss is currently pushing $32,000, and that number is likely to grow as the investigation continues.  

In a recent news report, KUTV listed multiple stores that were impacted over three days in October, including: 

Oct. 26 — Spanish Fork Target, Provo Towne Center Target, Provo State Street Target, Orem Kohl's, Orem Target, American Fork Target, American Fork Kohl's (twice) 

Oct. 27 — South Jordan Target, Fort Union Target, West Jordan Target, West Valley City Target, American Fork Kohl's 

Oct. 28 — Centerville Kohl's, Centerville Target, Layton Kohl's, Clinton Kohl's 

In our social media posts, TVPD regularly uses the hashtag #TVPDStopsCrime, and we take great pride when we can help bring an end to crime like this!

Employee of the Month 

Det. Barrett, a detective within TVPD’s Violent Crimes Unit, brings 34 years of law enforcement and corrections experience to the community and is our latest TVPD Employee of the Month. 

Det. Barrett’s educational experience includes a bachelor’s degree in history in addition to being a graduate of Utah’s Peace Officer Standards and Training Academy. In addition to his 34 years in law enforcement, Det. Barrett served five years in the U.S. Army. During his law enforcement career, he served with Adult Probation and Parole, the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Unified Police, Veterans Affairs and West Valley Police departments. Det. Barrett joined Taylorsville Police Department in 2021. He has served in various specialty units including corrections, patrol, property crimes, K-9, gang investigations and violent crimes. 

In October, Det. Barrett was assigned as the lead detective in a homicide investigation that occurred within Taylorsville. The investigation began on Oct. 13 at 4 a.m. when officers were called to investigate a shooting. For the next 20 straight hours, Det. Barrett led our patrol officers and assisted detectives toward the arrest of seven suspects, all who resided outside of Taylorsville. Numerous search warrants were drafted and multiple interviews conducted in compiling the necessary information for charges.  

Det. Tan stated, “In my years of working with Det. Barrett, I have seen him perform his job in an exemplary manner at all times with his performance often appearing automatic and effortless, a clear indication of his vast experience and training.” 

In his downtime, Det. Barrett enjoys fishing and quiet moments to recharge. Thank you, Det. Barrett, for your service!