Massive Bay Area Crime Ring Busted: CHP

OAKLAND, CA — At least 13 Bay Area residents have been arrested in connection with a Bay Area crime ring that stole hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of merchandise from retailers to sell across flea markets, the California Highway Patrol said.

The investigation into the crime ring began in September when officers with the CHP's Valley Division were made aware of retail thefts that happened in Placer County and other locations across California, authorities said.

The Rocklin Police Department pulled those suspects over in October, which led to the unraveling of the crime ring.

"During the investigation, the suspects provided information identifying individuals who were purchasing stolen merchandise from them and reselling it for profit," the California Highway Patrol said on Tuesday. "Investigators also learned the stolen goods were being distributed and sold at flea markets in Oakland, San Jose, Galt, Modesto and Stockton."

On Dec. 11, investigators conducted an operation called "Silent Night." During the operation, investigators targeted suspects in Oakland, Richmond, San Leandro and Galt, authorities said.

More than $10,000 in cash, five vans, two passenger vehicles, two trailers and firearms were recovered during the operation, authorities said.

The CHP says it also found 400 boxes and 200 bags filled with tens of thousands of stolen merchandise, which included cosmetics, clothing, power tools, alcohol and diapers, totaling more than $800,000.

Oakland residents Isaid Garcia Chapas, 41, Irene Cruz Barragan, 35, Daniela Cruz Barragan, 33, Robert Lorenzo Luna-Varela, 34, Jefferson Isaed Garcia-Rivera, 22, Jennifer Garcia Cruz, 19, Elan Rosales Montes, 35, Claudia Ivet Cruz Barragan, 42, Yolanda Carrillo Martinez, 45, Ivan Miranda Espinoza, 33, Yuridia Sandoval Ramirez, 35, Eryn Wilfred Corea Guevara, 29 and Bach Ngoc Thi Bui, 53, of El Sobrante, were taken into custody in connection with the thefts, authorities said.

“Organized retail theft is not a victimless crime," CHP Valley Division Chief Tyler Eccles said in a statement. "It impacts businesses, workers, and communities across California."