PITTSBURG — A man suspected of being part of a statewide retail theft operation was arrested by California Highway Patrol investigators. In addition to his arrest, more than $700,000 worth of stolen merchandise was recovered.
Julio C. Cuellar, 45, was apprehended by investigators assigned to the CHP’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force. The suspect’s Pittsburg home was searched for evidence following his arrest this month.
While searching his residence, investigators learned Cuellar leased several storage units at a nearby storage facility. A second warrant was obtained for searches at the storage facility, which turned up additional stolen merchandise.
These searches resulted in the discovery of merchandise from several major retailers. It originated from CVC Health, Lululemon, Macy’s, RiteAid, Safeway, Sunglass Hut, and Total Wine, to name a few.
Recovered items have been linked to thefts occurring in the San Francisco Bay Area and elsewhere in California. The total confirmed retail value of all this merchandise is $715,000.
In a prepared statement CHP Golden Gate Division Chief Chris Costigan said. “The task force, in collaboration with the retail industry and agency partners is identifying these organized rings.”
Cuellar was booked at Solano County Jail for organized retail theft and conspiracy, among other charges.
This in not the first time Cuellar has been in trouble with the law. Since 2015, he has been arrested five times. He has prior arrests for possession of controlled substances for sale, illegal firearm possession, burglary, conspiracy, and grand theft.
