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.

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.

“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.