(Photo by KJZZ)

Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery and Phoenix Police Chief Daniel Garcia speak at a press conference.

An Arizona recycling company is accused of running an organized crime ring. An investigation known as operation “Tin Man” has been in progress for over a year. Wednesday morning police arrested 12 people involved with Hendrix and Company Recycling.

“They provided an environment where people that would steal cars, could dispose of the vehicles and for quite awhile safely and without detection,” said Department of Public Safety Captain Bruce Campbell.

Prosecutors have charged the employees and family members of Hendrix and Company Recycling with 55 counts of involvement in vehicle theft, trafficking of stolen property, fraudulent schemes, money laundering, narcotic sales and operating a criminal enterprise. The investigation is still ongoing.