A California woman was arrested after she was found to be in possession of more than $450,000 worth of stolen merchandise. Claudia Cruz, 35, was charged with organized retail crime, possession of stolen property, and conspiracy to commit crime for her alleged involvement in a fencing operation.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) announced the arrest of Claudia Cruz, a 35-year-old woman from California, after she was found to be in possession of over $450,000 worth of stolen merchandise. Cruz was charged with organized retail crime, possession of stolen property, and conspiracy to commit crime for her alleged involvement in a fencing operation, where criminals buy and sell stolen goods.
The investigation began last month when CHP's Organized Retail Crime Taskforce (ORCTF) began investigating a criminal network involved in a series of thefts targeting various retailers in the Bay Area. Through surveillance operations, investigators identified suspects believed to be part of an Oakland-based illegal fencing operation.
California Woman Arrested with Over $450K of Stolen Merchandise
Using the information gathered, investigators obtained search warrants for a residence and multiple vehicles. The search warrants were executed on August 15 with the help of the San Ramon Police Department. During the search, investigators located a large quantity of stolen merchandise, which was seized and taken to a facility to be documented.
The stolen goods were worth around $450,000 and had mainly been swiped from drug stores, police said. Detectives also learned during the search that Cruz leased a storage facility in Oakland. After obtaining an additional search warrant for the storage facility, investigators located additional stolen merchandise.
California Woman Arrested with Over $450K of Stolen Merchandise
The estimated value of the stolen property was more than $450,000 and consisted mainly of goods sold at drug stores. Cruz was arrested and booked into the Alameda County Jail.
CHP also highlighted the importance of community involvement in combating organized retail crime. They urged the public to report any suspicious activity or stolen goods.
California Woman Arrested with Over $450K of Stolen Merchandise
"Organized retail crime is a serious problem that hurts businesses and consumers," said CHP. "CHP is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those involved in these crimes."
The arrest of Claudia Cruz is a significant step in dismantling the illegal fencing operation responsible for the theft of a substantial amount of merchandise. CHP's ORCTF continues to actively investigate and pursue other suspects involved in this network.
The investigation underscores the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies in combating organized retail crime. The CHP's partnership with the San Ramon Police Department in executing the search warrants highlights the effectiveness of joint operations in disrupting criminal activities.
The CHP's commitment to combating organized retail crime is vital in protecting businesses and consumers from the significant financial losses caused by these crimes. The arrest of Claudia Cruz sends a strong message that law enforcement is actively pursuing those involved in such activities.
