A woman was arrested in connection with a retail fraud scheme that targeted stores across Ventura County.
On April 8, detectives with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department received tips that a suspect, Shante Monique Allen, 32, of New York, had allegedly committed return fraud at an Ulta Beauty store in Moorpark.
Investigators said Allen is a repeat offender with a history of fraud in New York. The scheme she reportedly concocted involved stealing products from local stores and then returning the items to those same stores to collect money.
Through that scheme, Allen was reportedly responsible for at least $35,000 worth of merchandise loss in New York, authorities said.
An investigation by SoCal detectives revealed that Allen and an unidentified male suspect had reportedly committed at least six return fraud incidents in Ventura County.
On May 14, Allen was located in Winnetka, where she was taken into custody. During a search of her vehicle, authorities found a collection of stolen items taken from Ulta and Home Goods stores.
The woman was arrested for grand theft, conspiracy to commit a crime and the use of false documents.
An arraignment hearing is scheduled on May 29. A warrant was also submitted for the unidentified male suspect who assisted Allen in the fraud scheme.
“The task force is comprised of detectives from various agencies within Ventura County with the primary mission of combating organized retail theft, vehicle/vehicle parts theft and cargo theft, which impact our businesses, citizens, and communities here in Ventura County,” the sheriff’s department said. “The task force aims to provide a safe environment for everyone while working hand in hand with retailers, law enforcement agencies and the public to identify, locate and arrest the criminals involved in these types of crimes.”
Anyone with information regarding organized retail theft, vehicle/vehicle parts theft or cargo theft is encouraged to call the Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force at 805-383-8703.
Anonymous tips can be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.
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