Connect with us

Los Angeles, Ca

15 arrested in massive Southern California retail theft bust

Published

on

15 arrested in massive Southern California retail theft bust

Fifteen suspects were arrested during a massive retail theft bust in Ventura County.

The multi-day blitz took place at the Camarillo Premium Outlets from Oct. 4 to 6, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

Around $23,000 worth of stolen property was discovered by deputies, along with a stolen vehicle, around 90 grams of methamphetamine and various burglary tools.

Deputies were also involved in two separate vehicle pursuits during the operation.

Advertisement

The suspects were identified as:

  • Gonzalo Fernandez, 20, of Watsonville
  • Andres Flores, 21, of Watsonville
  • Derell Jones, 23, of Long Beach
  • Bayron Gabriel Rivera Florez, 23, of Los Angeles
  • Gerson Sanchez, 25, of Los Angeles
  • Martin Munoz, 30, of Oxnard
  • Teresa Raya, 30, of Oxnard
  • Leando Quinton Willis, 30, of Gardena
  • Dajuan Maurice Butler, 31, of Los Angeles
  • Qwana Crystal Moore, 35, of Los Angeles
  • Keisa Rene Scott Lyn, 42, of Carson
  • Lerin Davron Smallwood, 44, of Carson
  • Carolina Valverde, 60, of Van Nuys
  • Zuelma Rodriguez, 64, of Oxnard
  • Male juvenile, 17, of Porter Ranch

The first vehicle pursuit involved Derrell Jones and Dajuan Butler after reported thefts at Target and Walmart stores in Camarillo. The suspects, driving a Ford Mustang, led deputies on a dangerous chase. At one point, patrol units boxed their vehicle in, but the suspects rammed the patrol cars to escape.

The high-speed chase finally ended when the suspects lost a rear tire. Inside the Mustang, deputies found about $7,000 worth of stolen merchandise from various retail stores. They also found 90 grams of methamphetamine.

The second pursuit involved Carolina Valverde after she was seen reportedly stealing from a Nike store at the Camarillo Outlets. Deputies later spotted her car on the 101 Freeway, but she refused to pull over, leading units on a pursuit.

She eventually crashed into a chainlink fence at a California Highway Patrol weigh station. She continued driving erratically around the parking lot before patrol vehicles boxed her in and ended the chase. Around $7,000 worth of stolen merchandise was also found inside her car, officials said.

The rest of the suspects were all arrested on a variety of charges including conspiracy to commit organized retail theft, possession of stolen property, grand theft, outstanding warrants, resisting arrest, vehicle theft, receiving stolen property, shoplifting, being under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and more.

Advertisement

“This two-day event was a collaboration between law enforcement, outlet retailers and the outlet’s security personnel,” deputies said.

The Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force force is comprised of detectives from various agencies within Ventura County focused on combatting 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,” authorities added.

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.

Advertisement

Los Angeles, Ca

About 20 detained after armed suspect call sparks LAPD response in Koreatown

Published

on

About 20 detained after armed suspect call sparks LAPD response in Koreatown

About 20 people were detained Saturday during a large police response in Los Angeles’ Koreatown after authorities received reports of an armed man threatening people, officials said. Officers responded to the 3400 block of West 8th Street near Kingsley Drive on reports of an assault with a deadly weapon, according to the Los Angeles Police […]

Continue Reading

Los Angeles, Ca

Man found guilty of sex trafficking victim along L.A.’s Figueroa Corridor

Published

on

Man found guilty of sex trafficking victim along L.A.’s Figueroa Corridor

A former Riverside County man was found guilty of sex trafficking a female victim and forcing her to engage in commercial sex acts along L.A.’s notorious Figueroa Corridor.

Elias Abdul Shabazz, 34, formerly of Perris, was found guilty by a jury following a five-day trial, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

Prosecutors said Shabazz had led the victim to believe they were in a romantic relationship before he turned physically and sexually violent. He began demanding that the victim engage in commercial sex acts from May to October of 2021, court documents said.

He carried a handgun with him and, on occasion, was accused of using it to pistol-whip the victim. He also fired the gun at her feet while threatening to kill her, prosecutors said.

Advertisement

At trial, the victim said Shabazz demanded that she meet a daily quota of commercial sex proceeds and that she was terrified of the consequences of not meeting that quota. 

She testified that Shabazz compelled her to work in the notorious Figueroa Corridor in South L.A., a dangerous area known for human trafficking and prostitution.

Shabazz had confiscated her identification card, Social Security card and birth certificate. He constantly monitored her cell phone to stop her from communicating with any friends or family.

“He also introduced her to addictive narcotics and controlled every aspect of her life, including when she ate, slept and showered,” prosecutors said.

In May 2025, Shabazz was arrested and has remained in federal custody. His last known address at the time was in Washington, D.C.

Advertisement

On June 26, 2026, Shabazz was found guilty of one count of coercing or enticing interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 6, where he faces 15 years to life in prison.

“Sex trafficking matters rank among the most tragic cases our office prosecutes,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli. “This defendant will now face many years in a federal prison cell for his sick, disgusting, and disturbing behavior.”

“Elias Shabazz preyed on a vulnerable victim using physical and sexual violence and cruel psychological coercion to compel commercial sex acts for his own profit,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “There is no place for this type of conduct in civilized society. We deeply respect the victim’s courage to face her trafficker in court. The Criminal Division will continue to bring these cases and try them.”

Anyone with information about human trafficking can report tips to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Los Angeles, Ca

Watch Project Angel Food's 'Lead with Love' telethon on KTLA

Published

on

Watch Project Angel Food's 'Lead with Love' telethon on KTLA

The star-studded feel-good giveback event of the summer has returned. KTLA 5 is teaming up once again with Project Angel Food for the annual “Lead with Love: Going the Distance” telethon to raise critical funds for medically tailored meals delivered to people living with serious illnesses throughout Los Angeles County. The seventh annual telethon airs […]

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending