Authorities arrested 16 people during a massive retail theft bust in Ventura County, officials announced Wednesday.
The operation focused on retailers in Newbury Park. Authorities from the Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force worked alongside loss prevention officers at Home Depot, TJ Maxx and Target stores to catch retail thieves.
During the two-day “blitz,” which took place from Sept. 20-21, deputies arrested 16 suspects on a variety of charges including shoplifting, retail theft, child endangerment, possession of drug paraphernalia, identity theft and more.
Nearly $2,000 worth of stolen merchandise was recovered along with burglary tools and methamphetamine, authorities said.
The suspects were identified as:
- Michael Soria, 35, from Thousand Oaks
- Derek Strunk, 57, from Thousand Oaks
- Richard Vargas, 35, from Canoga Park
- Brett Howard, 36, from Calabasas
- Brigitt Bastidas, 34, from Los Angeles
- Benjamin Ropes, 31, from Camarillo
- Roberta Peppler, 56, from Newbury Park
- John Sanchez, 51, from Los Angeles
- Brian Wendorf, 35, from Simi Valley
- Brian Reeger, 42, from Simi Valley
- Johnny Lopez, 37, from Newbury Park
- Eduardo Rodriguez, 19, from Thousand Oaks
- Female juvenile, 16, from Thousand Oaks
- Male juvenile, 17, from Thousand Oaks
- Male juvenile, 17, from Thousand Oaks
- Male juvenile, 17, from Thousand Oaks
The Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force is comprised of detectives from various agencies focused on combatting organized retail theft, vehicle/vehicle parts theft and cargo theft.
“The task force aims to provide a safe environment for everyone while working hand in hand with retailers, law enforcement agencies and the public to identify, locate and arrest the criminals involved in these types of crimes,” said the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.
Anyone with information on theft cases is encouraged to call the Task Force at 805-383-8703. Retailers and business owners in Ventura County who are experiencing significant retail theft and are interested in participating in similar blitz operations can call 805-383-8703.
Anonymous tips can be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.