Police arrest two in Taco John's "robbery"

Mountain Home Police have arrested two city residents in connection with Sunday's robbery of the Taco Johns in Mountain Home.

Sara Griffin, 23, an employee of Taco Johns, and Martel Newton, 23, described by authorities as her boyfriend, were arrested by city police Thursday evening. Each were initially charged with two counts of grand theft, one count of burglary and one count of aiding and abetting.

It was Griffin who initially reported to police that a white, six-foot male, wearing a hoodie, sunglasses and a mask, approached her as she opened the store at 4:45 a.m. Sunday and strong-armed her into the building, forcing her to open the safe. Newton is black and 5 feet, 9 inches tall.

Martel Newton and Sara Griffin were each charged initially with two counts of grand theft, one count of burglary and one count of aiding and abetting.

Although the amount taken was not disclosed, to be charged with grand theft usually involves at least $1,000 being taken.

Police allege that Griffin and Newton conspired to fabricate the robbery story in order to cover up their theft from Griffin's employer.

The pair were scheduled for arraignment on the charges in magistrate's court Friday afternoon.

"The detectives did a heck of a good job," said acting Police Chief Julee Bunderson. "They just kept following leads" until they felt they had enough evidence to make an arrest.