$300K of stolen merchandise recovered during operation in Littlerock and throughout the AV

Palmdale, CA.- LASD Organized Retail Theft Task Force Shut Down Illegal Fencing Operation, Arrested Suspects and Recovered $300,000+ in merchandise

Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department’s Major Crimes Bureau, Organized Retail Theft Taskforce began investigating numerous retail thefts occurring throughout the Antelope Valley. The thefts occurred between December 14, 2023, and January 7, 2024, from Home Depot, Lowes, Target, and Walmart retail stores.

Investigators identified a crew of suspects (1-3) that worked together to commit the thefts. The fourth suspect (4) was later identified as the primary person running a “fence” operation at the address on 94th Street East in Littlerock.

During the search warrants, detectives seized approximately $300,000 in stolen merchandise which included tools, yard equipment, generators, clothing, A/C compressors, and various other merchandise stolen from the above-mentioned victim retailers. They also seized two handguns (9mm and .45 caliber).

The first three suspects were arrested for Organized Retail Theft (490.4 (a)(1) PC) and Grand Theft (487 (a) PC). Suspect 1 and Suspect 3 were additionally charged for being felons in possession of a firearm (29800(a)1) PC).Suspect 4 was arrested with Operating a Fence operation (490.4(a)(4) PC).

The suspects were all transported to and booked at Palmdale Sheriff’s Station and are all being held on $50,000 bail each with the next court date of January 29, 2024.

In an effort to combat organized retail theft, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department formed the Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF) in September 2023. The task force is composed of three teams: North, South, and the Burglary and Robbery Task Force (BRTF). They operate out of LASD’s Major Crimes Bureau and are dedicated to investigating, identifying, and apprehending suspect(s) of organized retail crimes.

They work in conjunction with outside law enforcement agencies, other organized retail crime task forces, and federal partners to address retail theft incidents.

The Task Force also provides public outreach assistance for local communities, businesses, retail associations, and Chambers of Commerce to address organized retail crime concerns.

If anyone has information about this case or has information to share about organized retail theft crimes, please contact the Organized Retail Theft Task Force at ORCTF@LASD.ORG, or 562-946-7270.

Forwarded by:

Sheriff's Information Bureau

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

211 West Temple Street

Los Angeles California 90012

http://www.lasd.org

213-229-1700

Story Courttesy of LASD and Photos