Woman Arrested is Suspected of Participating in Organized Retail Theft
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Image of stolen merchandise collected during arrest | California Highway Patrol
EL SOBRANTE — A woman has been arrested and stolen merchandise recovered with an estimated retail value exceeding $190,000. California Highway Patrol conducted this law enforcement action in August. It is part of an ongoing effort targeting organized retail theft in the San Francisco Bay area.
In July, investigators received information regarding a possible illegal fencing operation under way in El Sobrante. There was evidence that stolen merchandise was stored at a residence before it was being sold at various locations.
In a prepared statement the CHP said. “An investigation was launched, and investigators soon had enough information to obtain a search warrant.”
The CHP Golden Gate Division Organized Retail Crime Task Force executed a search warrant at an El Sobrante residence. In addition to the merchandise, investigators also recovered approximately $24,000 in cash allegedly from the sale of stolen items.
The residence in question was searched thoroughly on August 31. Investigators found stolen items from CVS, Express, Lululemon, Rite Aid, Ross, Target, TJX, Victoria’s Secret, and Walgreens. Items purloined from other retailers were also recovered.
A suspect involved 50-year-old Bach N. Bui, of Pittsburg, was placed under arrest. She was subsequently booked at county jail for:
- Organized retail crime PC 490.4
- Grand theft PC 487(A)
- Receiving or concealing stolen property PC 496(A)
- Conspiracy to commit crime PC 182
