8 arrested in multi-state organized theft ring

In a joint press conference Thursday morning, the California Highway Patrol and state Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the arrest of eight suspects in a multi-state organized retail theft ring of Apple stores that also touched the Bay Area.

“It hurts retailers, consumers and endangered communities,” Bonta said from the San Francisco CHP office. He described the acts as “brazen thefts” as shoppers and employees were in the Apple stores when the burglaries occurred.

“This goes far beyond petty theft or shoplifting,” Bonta told press conference attendees. “This is organized criminal activity and we won't put up with it in our state.”

The CHP's Organized Retail Crime Task Force launched an investigation in September after learning of similar thefts in California, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Georgia and Alabama. Electronics including iPads and iPhones worth an estimated $1 million or so were stolen.

The task force, in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Marshals Service and the Oakland Police Department served search warrants Jan. 19 throughout the Bay Area and eight felony arrests were made on suspicion of organized retail crime, grand theft, possession of stolen property and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Names of the suspects were not released.

On Jan. 27, the task force served search warrants in Sacramento. Seized were hundreds of Apple iPhones, iPads, laptops and more, along with $150,000 in cash.

In a press statement following the press conference, CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee praised the team's efforts.

“I am extremely proud of the efforts of the CHP's Organized Retail Crime Task Force, and the strides we are making to enhance community safety,” he said. “This significant case is another example of success when law enforcement at the state, local and federal levels partner together, under the leadership of Gov. [Gavin] Newsom and his Public Safety Plan, to ensure Californians and businesses feel safe in our communities.”

CHP Assistant Chief Steve Ramos agreed.

“Our department is beyond proud of what this task force has accomplished today and we are truly looking forward to what it achieves in 2023 and beyond,” he said.

Since the task force's inception in 2009, Ramos advised, 853 arrests have been made and stolen merchandise worth an estimated $28.3 million has been recovered.