By Jim Emerson
OAKLAND — The California Highway Patrol Retail Crime Task Force arrested a suspected
member of a retail theft ring operating in the Bay Area. CHP officers assisted by San Ramon
police recovered stolen merchandise worth nearly half a million dollars. The fencing operation
was operated from rented Oakland warehouse space.
CHP and San Ramon officers searched an Oakland residence on August 15, and arrested
40-year-old Claudia Ivet Cruz-Barragan. Her arrest is part of a month-long investigation.
Cruz-Barragan was arrested on suspicion of organized retail theft PC 490.4(A) and receiving
or concealing stolen property PC 496(A).
The CHP Golden Gate Division said in a prepared statement. “The task force discovered a
stash of stolen goods worth over $450,000. It marked the culmination of efforts to target
organized criminal groups involved in large-scale retail theft.”
A group suspected of operating a fencing operation in Oakland was placed under
surveillance. Cruz-Barragan was arrested on August 15. She was booked at Alameda County
Santa Rita Jail. More arrests are anticipated involving organized retail crime.
Investigators launched an inquiry in July of a criminal network implicated in thefts at multiple
drug stores. “Investigators identified suspects believed be involved in an illicit fencing
operation based in Oakland.”
After searching the home of Cruz-Barragan, investigators learned that she was leasing
warehouse space in Oakland. A second search was conducted at the warehouse. Two
vehicles were also searched.
