Full Notification

During the month of March 2024, LASD/MCB Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF) detectives worked with various retailers regarding ongoing theft of over-the-counter medication, cosmetics, and hygiene products from several companies.  The merchandise was stolen by booster crews from multiple stores located in Arizona, Nevada, and California.  The stolen items were then transported to locations throughout Los Angeles County where they were sold off to various “fence” operations.  ORCTF detectives identified multiple booster crews and a large-scale fencing operation being conducted by the "bad actors" crew. A multi-location search warrant operation was conducted which led to the arrests of eight suspects and the recovery of a large amount of evidence from all the locations.  The retailers estimated the value of the stolen property to be worth several million dollars.  

Also seized was a stolen firearm and a large sum of U.S. Currency.  Evidence recovered can be linked back to numerous retailers in Arizona, Nevada, and California.  Detectives, in partnership with retail partners, made an impact on this illegal organization.

The suspects were arrested for Organized Retail Theft (490.4(a)(1) PC) and Receiving Stolen Property (496(a)PC).  The suspects were transported to South Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station where they are being held on $60,000 bail each.

To combat organized retail theft, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department formed the Organized Retail Crimes 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.  

 If anyone has information about this case, please contact the Organized Retail Theft Task Force at [email protected], or 562-946-7270.