LOS ANGELES, CA — A major retail theft ring was dismantled on July 30 when California Highway Patrol’s Organized Retail Theft Task Force raided a Los Angeles residence linked to the operation. Authorities seized approximately $400,000 in stolen designer goods, including purses, shoes, and perfume, that were being sold as legitimate items at an open-air market in Torrance.
The alleged ringleader, Jose Cuadra, 41, was arrested during the raid, while two “boosters” in the scheme, Johny Arciniegas-Cortes, 46, and his daughter Paula Arciniegas, 28, were arrested on August 14 in Anaheim. The pair allegedly stole merchandise valued at $10,000 from multiple retailers across Southern California. Charges include organized retail theft, conspiracy, and possession of stolen property.
Authorities emphasize that organized retail theft teams are actively combating these sophisticated operations to protect merchants across California.