A couple and another individual were apprehended by a task force from the California Highway Patrol on suspicion of participating in an organized retail theft ring, as announced by the agency on Friday.
On Thursday, Victor Marcomarino, 32, and his wife, Maria Orozco, 30, were taken into custody in Anaheim by officers from the Border Division Organized Retail Crime Task Force, a division of the CHP, according to Officer Mitch Smith.
Smith stated that Marcomarino and Orozco had been observed committing multiple retail thefts in Orange County and other areas of Southern California. Their method involved using high-powered magnets and a metal hook tool to remove security devices.
On several occasions, they would transport the stolen items to their residence in Anaheim before heading to Los Angeles to sell them to Hilario Esteban Penaloza, a 66-year-old who was detained at his Los Angeles home on Monday. Detectives conducted multiple search warrants in Los Angeles as part of an ongoing retail theft investigation, Smith added.
The investigation conducted by the task force led to the recovery of stolen retail merchandise valued at over $185,000, according to Smith.
Smith identified Penaloza as the ringleader of the retail theft operation. He believed that Penaloza was connected with individuals who regularly stole items from retailers across Southern California, including clothing, handbags, fragrances, and shoes. Penaloza then sold these stolen goods at his swap meet booth, Smith explained.
All three suspects were placed under arrest and booked into the Orange County Jail on suspicion of their involvement in the crimes.
Smith mentioned that the case has been presented to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for the filing of charges.
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