Massive Retail Theft Bust in Ventura County
Thirty-seven Suspects Arrested
A two-day blitz operation at the Pacific View mall in Ventura, California, resulted in the arrest of thirty-seven suspects accused of retail theft. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office led the operation, which took place from December 6-7.
Seized Property and Narcotics
During the operation, officers discovered around $2,000 worth of stolen property, including burglary tools used in the thefts. Additionally, various narcotics, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, were found.
Suspects Identified
The suspects arrested during the operation are:
- Fredy Velasquez, 18, Santa Paula
- Savanah Hartman, 18, Oxnard
- Sahrayah Hartman, 21, Oxnard
- Jacob Aragon, 22, Camarillo
- Jonathan Zazueta, 26, Oxnard
- Skylar Martin, 26, Ventura
- Ashlee Honsberger, 27, Ventura
- Erika Martinez, 29, Ventura
- Heraclio Lara, 29, Ventura
- William Borchard, 32, Ventura
- Alyona French, 33, Ventura
- Travis Ross, 34, Ojai
- Anthony Romero, 34, Oxnard
- Randy Martinez, 35, Santa Paula
- Andres Fernandez, 35, Oxnard
- Tony Valdez, 37, Ventura
- Richard Munoz, 39, Ventura
- Matthew Raley, 43, Ventura
- Candice Arsenault, 43, Oxnard
- William Martinez, 45, Ventura
- Valentin Lucero, 53, Ventura
- 16 unidentified juveniles
Collaborative Effort
The operation was a collaborative effort between the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, loss prevention teams from Target, JCPenney, and Macy’s, and Allied Security, which provides security services for Pacific View mall.
Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force
The Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force is a joint effort between 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.
Conclusion
The massive retail theft bust in Ventura County highlights the significant shoplifting challenges affecting not only the mall but also businesses across the county. The Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force is committed to combating organized retail theft and providing a safe environment for everyone.
FAQs
Q: What was the outcome of the two-day blitz operation at the Pacific View mall in Ventura, California?
A: Thirty-seven suspects were arrested, and around $2,000 worth of stolen property was discovered.
Q: What types of narcotics were found during the operation?
A: Fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine were discovered.
Q: Who is involved in the Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force?
A: The task force is comprised of detectives from various agencies within Ventura County, including the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, the Ventura Police Department, and the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigations.
Q: How can retailers report retail theft and participate in similar blitz operations?
A: Retailers can call the Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force at 805-383-8703 or visit lacrimestoppers.org to provide anonymous tips.
Q: Can I provide anonymous tips about possible retail theft cases?
A: Yes, you can provide anonymous tips to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.
