Eight suspects were arrested during a retail theft bust operation in Ventura County.
The single-day operation took place at the Camarillo Premium Outlets on June 14, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.
Nearly $6,000 worth of stolen property was discovered by officers, along with burglary tools and a pair of brass knuckles.
The suspects were identified as:
- Martin Granados, 40, Newbury Park
- Luis Santiago, 31, Oxnard
- Cristian Hernandez, 29, Newbury Park
- Carlos Sanchez, 26, Moorpark
- Sergio Rosas, 21, Van Nuys
- Manuel Flores, 19, Bakersfield
- Santiago Barrero, 18, Van Nuys
- Male juvenile, 16, West Covina
Granados and Hernandez were arrested after they allegedly stole nearly $700 worth of merchandise from several retailers. When deputies approached the pair near their car, they ran from the area before being caught shortly after.
Both were arrested for conspiracy to commit organized retail theft, resisting an executive officer. Granados was also arrested for possession of brass knuckles.
For Sanchez and Santiago, authorities searched their vehicle where over $2,200 worth of stolen merchandise from six different outlet stores was found.
Both were arrested for conspiracy to commit organized retail theft, grand theft, possession of stolen property and possession of burglary tools. Sanchez had reportedly been arrested for similar charges before and was out on bail for separate theft-related cases.
Rosas, Barrero and a 16-year-old boy had allegedly stolen over $2,600 worth of items from 14 different stores at the outlets.
They were arrested for conspiracy to commit organized retail theft. Rosas and Barrero were also arrested for child endangerment for committing crimes with a juvenile present. Rosas and Martinez were booked into the Main Jail while the teen boy was cited and released to a parent.
Flores had allegedly stolen $75 worth of merchandise from an outlet store. He was cited and released for misdemeanor shoplifting.
All cases were submitted to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office for review.
The Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force is comprised of detectives from various agencies within Ventura County focused on combating organized retail theft, vehicle/vehicle parts theft and cargo theft.
“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,” the sheriff’s department said.
Anyone with information on possible theft cases 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.
Retailers who are experiencing significant retail theft and are interested in participating in similar blitz operations can call 805-383-8703.
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