Four suspects were arrested in a massive bust operation that shut down an organized retail crime ring in Southern California.
The group is allegedly responsible for thefts across Orange and Los Angeles counties, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The suspects were identified as:
- Victor Manuel Marcos Marino, 33
- Maria Isabel Orozco Cadena, 31
- Elena Huezo, 43
- Jose Aurelio Diaz Magana, 36
Between Aug. 24 and Sept. 27, authorities said they were involved in at least 10 thefts and escaped with around $10,000 in stolen merchandise.
Throughout the investigation, two residences in Anaheim and Bloomington were associated with the crew.
On Oct. 14, investigators served multiple search warrants at the homes where they discovered around $143,746 worth of stolen retail goods.
Dozens of large suitcases containing thousands of dollars worth of stolen merchandise was found at an Anaheim home on Oct. 14, 2024. (California Highway Patrol) A variety of large bags and suitcases containing thousands of dollars worth of stolen merchandise was found at an a Bloomington home on Oct. 14, 2024. (California Highway Patrol) Many large suitcases and bags containing thousands of dollars worth of stolen merchandise was found at homes in Anaheim and Bloomington on Oct. 14, 2024. (California Highway Patrol)
Photos of the bust showed the stolen items were stored in dozens of suitcases at the Anaheim home and in large black bags and suitcases at the Bloomington home.
The four suspects were taken into custody in Anaheim and booked into the Orange County Jail.
“The California Highway Patrol has dedicated Organized Retail Theft teams in Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Francisco who work with retailers to combat sophisticated crews that continue to victimize merchants throughout the state,” authorities said.
The case will be filed with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.
