ANAHEIM, Calif.—A man and his wife were among three people suspected of being involved with an organized retail theft ring arrested by a California Highway Patrol task force, the agency announced on Aug. 18.
Victor Marcomarino, 32, along with his wife, 30-year-old Maria Orozco, were arrested in Anaheim on Aug. 17 by officers with the border patrol’s Border Division Organized Retail Crime Task Force Border Division, Officer Mitch Smith said.
Mr. Marcomarino and Ms. Orozco had been observed numerous times committing retail thefts in Orange County and elsewhere in Southern California, according to Mr. Smith. Mr. Marcomarino and Ms. Orozco would use high-powered magnets and a metal hook tool to remove security devices, said Mr. Smith.
On several occasions they would bring the merchandise to their residence in Anaheim before driving to Los Angeles and selling the stolen merchandise to Hilario Esteban Penaloza, a 66-year-old who was arrested at his residence in Los Angeles Monday after detectives executed multiple search warrants in Los Angeles as part of an ongoing retail theft investigation, according to Mr. Smith.
The task force’s investigation resulted in the recovery of more than $185,000 worth of stolen retail merchandise, Mr. Smith said.
Mr. Penaloza was the leader of the retail theft ring, Mr. Smith said. Detectives believed he was in contact with individuals who regularly stole merchandise from retailers throughout Southern California, including clothing, purses, fragrances, and shoes, which he then sold at a booth at a swap meet he operated, said Mr. Smith.
All three suspects were booked into the Orange County Jail on suspicion of their alleged involvement in the crimes.
The case has been presented to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for filing of charges, Mr. Smith said.
