Landon Earl Rankin Bio – Landon Earl Rankin Wiki
Landon Earl Rankin was arrested Thursday on suspicion of two counts of burglary in relation to thefts at two Phoenix-area weddings last month.
AGE:
Landon Earl Rankin is 54 years old.
DETAIL OF INCIDENCE:
A former sheriff’s deputy in Arizona allegedly crashed as many as 11 weddings and stole thousands of dollars worth of gifts from newly married couples, the Chandler Police Department said this week.
Landon Earl Rankin was arrested Thursday on suspicion of two counts of burglary in relation to thefts at two Phoenix-area weddings last month.
He is also facing several drug charges after police found amphetamine and fentanyl in his possession, according to Chandler police. Rankin would allegedly pose as a guest at weddings and steal boxes of wedding cards. The boxes at the Phoenix-area weddings both contained between $3,000 and $6,000.
During the investigation, police uncovered at least 11 recent incidents of similar wedding thefts in the East Valley region of Arizona that Rankin could be responsible for.
Surveillance images released by the Chandler Police Department show Rankin in a button-down shirt and slacks running with what is allegedly the wedding card boxes in a plastic bag.
Rankin retired from the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office in 2015 after 21 years on the force.
He told police after he was arrested that he attended the weddings to hear the vows “because he was going through a divorce,” according to a probable-cause statement.
Family of victims speaks out
“Our hearts were hurting,” said Marcia O’Donnell.
O’Donnell was watching her daughter, Katherine, get married, and her husband, Michael, was walking Katherine down the aisle. They did not notice an uninvited guest who came not to share in their joy.
“He came looking like the perfect wedding guest: dressed, button-down, tie, slacks,” said Michael. “As we were all seated for the wedding, he picked up the box with every single present and walked out.”
“He victimized couples on the most celebrate day of their lives, a joyful day, and he victimized them and their guests, and we’re glad to bring justice to Rankin for these victims,” said Sgt. Jason McClimans with Chandler Police.
Police reportedly found methamphetamine and fentanyl on Rankin when he was arrested. He faces multiple counts of burglary and drug possession.
Chandler Police officials are still searching for other potential victims in this case. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police at 480-782-4130.