VENTURA COUNTY, CA – On October 30, 2024, Ventura County’s Organized Retail Theft Task Force made a significant bust at the Camarillo Premium Outlets, resulting in the arrest of four suspects involved in a large-scale theft operation that has been plaguing the area. The arrests come as part of an ongoing effort to combat the $10 million in annual losses local businesses face due to retail crime, according to Ventura County Sheriff’s Department spokesperson Sgt. Baltazar Tapia.
At around 1 p.m. on October 30, patrol deputies responded to a call from outlet security reporting two suspects, Cindy Portillo Arana, 29, and Julian Riveros, 24, concealing stolen merchandise under their clothing. The suspects, both residents of Los Angeles, were observed entering multiple stores with a three-month-old baby in a stroller, which they used to hide the stolen items.
Once the suspects exited the store, detectives intercepted them at their vehicle, where they discovered approximately $1,000 worth of suspected stolen goods, including sunglasses and clothing. A search of the vehicle revealed illegal items, including methamphetamine packaged for sale, marijuana, and open alcohol containers.
Both Portillo and Riveros were arrested and transported to Ventura County Jail. They face a range of charges including organized retail theft, possession of stolen property, possession of burglary tools, possession of a controlled substance for sale, and child endangerment.
The task force didn’t stop there. Surveillance continued, leading detectives to observe two additional suspects, Angel Herrera, 45, and Kyla Hernandez, 34, both from Oxnard. The pair were seen concealing items from several stores before heading to their vehicle. A search revealed approximately $1,000 worth of stolen clothing.
Further investigation revealed that Hernandez had three outstanding felony warrants for identity theft and a misdemeanor warrant for shoplifting. Herrera had two outstanding misdemeanor warrants for narcotics possession and being under the influence. Both suspects were arrested and transported to Ventura County Jail on charges of grand theft and possession of burglary tools, in addition to their outstanding warrants.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department continues to target organized retail crime, and these arrests reflect their commitment to holding those involved in retail theft accountable for their actions.