MILLCREEK, Utah — Unified Police have arrested a woman suspected of a string of bold thefts targeting businesses across Salt Lake County.
Alicia Christiansen Turnbow, 43, of Salt Lake City, was taken into custody Thursday after an extensive investigation, according to Sgt. Aymee Race with the Unified Police Department.
“She’s facing a wide range of charges including theft, vehicle theft, and burglary,” Race said. “This has been a months-long search. We’ve been actively looking for her.”
Police say Turnbow would enter businesses during operating hours and steal from employees — rifling through personal belongings, taking purses, keys, and other valuables. On at least two occasions, she allegedly stole vehicle keys and used the stolen vehicles to commit additional crimes.
One of her most recent targets was Natural Smiles Dentistry in Millcreek. Dr. Thomas Frank Brickey said his staff noticed something was wrong on Monday when a typically open office door was unexpectedly closed — and several personal lockers had been emptied.
“She got in through a side door that’s usually locked, and exited out the back,” Brickey explained. A nearby construction worker reportedly saw a woman in a white hat leaving the area.
“She stole at least three purses, wallets, and car keys,” Brickey added. One stolen identity was used to withdraw $2,500 from a secure savings account.
After doing some detective work of their own, Brickey and his team found a KSL TV report showing a woman — wearing a wig and white beanie — stealing from a dental office in Orem. Surveillance footage showed her rummaging through the breakroom before walking out with personal items.
Later that same day, the suspect tried to use the stolen credit cards at Home Depot, attempting to purchase $1,500 in merchandise. Employees flagged the suspicious activity, and the transaction was denied.
“She left the stolen vehicle nearby, likely spooked,” Brickey said. “The owner had to pay hundreds to get it out of impound and have a new fob made — it just adds insult to injury.”
The investigation gained traction when other dental offices began to come forward. Emily Goodrich, a hygienist in Orem, said her office was also targeted. She shared her story with KSL TV, prompting additional victims — including Brandi Wendrich at Out of This World Dentistry in Draper — to speak out.
Wendrich said the suspect initially tried to pose as a patient.
“She poked her head in the front door and asked for a dentist’s name I didn’t recognize,” she said. Minutes later, another employee spotted the same woman in the back breakroom.
“She claimed she was lost,” Wendrich said. “But she was already deep in the office. That’s how she got in and stole someone’s credit card — then racked up $1,500 in charges at the Sally Beauty store across the street.”
Wendrich believes the suspect specifically targets offices with multiple entry points. “She moves fast. She knows what she’s doing.”
Draper Police have confirmed the suspect in their investigation is the same woman involved in the Orem and Millcreek cases. Both agencies are now working closely with Unified Police.
For the victims, the impact has been lasting.
“Our office felt violated,” Brickey said. “If something feels off, trust your instincts. When people show you who they are, believe them.”
Sgt. Race echoed the importance of public tips in resolving these cases.
