Couple arrested after stealing and selling over $6,000 in library books
Summary
A couple from Mesa, Arizona, Ian and Athena Bartlett, was arrested for stealing over $6,000 worth of books from the Mesa Public Library. They checked out many books using two accounts and sold hundreds to a local bookstore before being caught by police.Key Facts
- Ian Bartlett is 36 years old; Athena Bartlett is 33.
- They stole about $6,200 worth of library books from Mesa Public Library.
- The couple used two library accounts to check out the books.
- Hundreds of the stolen books were sold at a local secondhand bookstore.
- Library staff reported the suspicious activity after bookstore employees tried to refuse buying the books.
- Ian Bartlett's first account was blocked for owing about $1,565 in unreturned books.
- Athena Bartlett made five transactions involving 423 books at the bookstore between May 7 and May 14, 2026.
- Both were charged with theft (a class four felony) and trafficking stolen property (a class two felony).
- Police are still investigating and ask anyone with stolen library books to contact them.
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