SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Nine people were arrested and charged for allegedly organizing a retail theft ring throughout California, Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Friday.The suspects are charged with stealing items from major retail stores.
According to the attorney general, the criminal organization operated in Los Angeles, Alameda, Fresno, Kern, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Ventura counties.FOX 11's Elex Michaelson spoke one-on-one with the governor about vaccinations, business relief and the plan to tackle local crime.(July 21, 2021)The arrests come following a three-month investigation by the California Highway Patrol into an organization known as the South American Theft Group.
CHP officials say the group targeted well-known retailers throughout California since March of 2021.Officials say the stolen merchandise came from major retailers, including Macy’s, Columbia Sportswear, Abercrombie & Fitch, J.C.
Penney, and Lululemon. RELATED: Gov. Newsom signs bill to help fight organized retail theftGovernor Gavin Newsom has pledged to boost law enforcement efforts to stop retail theft.During a search and arrest operation in Los Angeles on March 21, officers arrested five of the targeted suspects and recovered approximately $62,000 in cash and $135,000 of stolen merchandise.Another suspect from the operation was charged on Tuesday but remains at large.