CAMARILLO, Calif. - Seventeen adults and two kids were arrested in connection with a retail theft "blitz" operation by local authorities at the popular Camarillo Premium Outlets, according to the Ventura County Sheriff's Office.
The "blitz" operation - multiple law enforcement resources concentrating on one or more retail stores to combat retail theft - was conducted between May 31 and June 2 as a collaboration among law enforcement, Camarillo Outlets retailers and the Outlet’s security personnel, officials said.
An estimated $5,000 in stolen merchandise was recovered along with a loaded firearm, a false government identification card, burglary tools, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and prescription pills, according to the sheriff's office.
The following individuals were arrested:
- Jorge Pacheco of Los Angeles: Felony charges of conspiracy to commit shoplifting and possession of a false government ID card
- Rachael Ibarra-Matus of Los Angeles: Felony charge of conspiracy to commit shoplifting
- Clarissa Barraza of Los Angeles: Felony charges related to the possession and unlawful transfer of an operable firearm which was found in their vehicle, possession of a controlled substance while armed, possession of stolen property, and shoplifting
- Bequer Lopez of Los Angeles: Felony charges related to the possession and unlawful transfer of an operable firearm which was found in their vehicle, possession of a controlled substance while armed, possession of stolen property, and shoplifting
- Jonathan Reyes of Los Angeles: Felony charges related to the possession and unlawful transfer of an operable firearm which was found in their vehicle, possession of a controlled substance while armed, possession of stolen property, and shoplifting
- Jesus Montoya-Ochoa of Los Angeles: Felony charges related to the possession and unlawful transfer of an operable firearm which was found in their vehicle, possession of a controlled substance while armed, possession of stolen property, and shoplifting
- Carlos Sanchez of Pacoima: Felony charge of organized retail theft and possession of dangerous fireworks
- Carlos Medina of Oxnard: Felony charge of conspiracy to commit organized retail theft
- Christian Mosqueda of Los Angeles: Felony charge of conspiracy to commit organized retail theft
- Maickel Dominguez Del Rio of Los Angeles: Felony charge of organized retail theft and possession of burglary tools
- Vahe Sargasyan of Glendale: Charges of conspiracy to commit organized retail theft
- Zhora Hovhannisyan of Glendale: Charges of conspiracy to commit organized retail theft
- Alyona Khachatryan of Van Nuys: Charges of conspiracy to commit organized retail theft
- Mikayel Ivanyan of Van Nuys: Charges of conspiracy to commit organized retail theft
- Johnny Gutierrez of Oxnard: Misdemeanor charge of possession of a controlled substance
- Jhovani Romano of Oxnard: Misdemeanor charges of attempted shoplifting and possession of a controlled substance
The two minors were cited for shoplifting and released to an adult, authorities said.
Retailers who are experiencing significant retail theft and want to participate in a similar blitz operation can call 805-383-8703 or the Crime Stoppers Tip Line 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You can remain anonymous when calling either number.