Latest news with #VictorAlvarez
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Yahoo
4 linked to California-based cargo theft ring tied to Mexico arrested
VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. - Several suspects have been arrested in connection with the theft of more than $1.5 million in cargo from various locations across Southern California, according to the Ventura County Sheriff's Department. Investigators believe the suspects are linked to thefts utilizing "fence" locations to store stolen cargo before being transported to Tijuana, Mexico. What we know Between December 2024 and January 2025, a Southern California-based cargo theft crew targeted Camarillo, resulting in over $500,000 in property loss. An investigation revealed the theft crew used stolen vehicles to navigate Camarillo and targeted semi-trucks to steal large trailers filled with retail property. The stolen goods were transported to "fence" locations, with final destinations in Tijuana, Mexico. The investigation led to the recovery of stolen cargo valued at approximately $1.5 million. Victims of the cargo thefts include East Coast-based company E-Lo Sportswear, Amazon, Craftsman, Samsung, TJ Maxx, and Converse. The suspects arrested are identified as Victor Alvarez, Brenda Alvarez, Mauricio Heriberto Gachicoa, and Otto Javier Rivas. They were booked on charges of auto theft, cargo theft, and conspiracy. Each is being held on $250,000 bail. Arrest warrants have been issued for Jose Antonio Hurtado-Bernal and Luis Rivera. What's next The investigation remains active. Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of related cargo theft is encouraged to contact Detective Ledesma or Detective Song at 805-388-5115. The Source Information for this story is from a press release published by the Ventura County Sheriff's Department on May 12, 2025.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Yahoo
4 arrested in alleged cargo theft ring tied to Mexico
Authorities in Ventura County have arrested four people in connection with an alleged cargo theft ring responsible for stealing more than $1.5 million in goods. Detectives served search warrants at locations across the region – homes, storage facilities, and businesses. They found stolen cargo at every site, and the big-ticket items were guns, drugs, and cash, the Ventura County Sheriff's Office said in a news release on Monday. Victor Alvarez, 40, of Camarillo, Brenda Alvarez, 41, and Otto Javier Rivas, 38, of South Gate, and Mauricio Heriberto Gochicoa, 43, of Tijuana, were taken into custody and booked into Ventura County Jail on suspicion of auto theft, cargo theft, and conspiracy. Arrest warrants were issued for two more men who were allegedly involved. The arrests followed a months-long investigation into thefts that targeted industrial areas in Camarillo between December 16, 2024, and January 5, 2025. The suspects stole passenger vehicles to travel into Ventura County, then used stolen semi-trucks to haul trailers loaded with retail goods, authorities said. On December 16, thieves stole a U-Haul from Postal Magic, according to the sheriff's office. The next day, they were caught on surveillance casing the Harbor Freight Distribution Center. On New Year's Eve, they stole four semi-trucks from Custom Packaging Supply and returned to Harbor Freight, where, according to investigators, they hitched trailers filled with cargo. They also stole two pickup trucks from nearby neighborhoods. The emptied trailers were later found in the City of Commerce and near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. Authorities said the suspects returned on January 5 to break into a Plush Beds trailer before transferring its contents to a box truck and fleeing. Investigators linked the stolen goods to fencing operations in South Gate and San Diego, with the final destination believed to be Tijuana, Mexico, authorities said. 'With assistance from the CHP Border Division, investigators were able to identify additional victims of cargo theft from California and throughout the country, including major corporations such as Amazon, Craftsman, Samsung, TJ Maxx, and Converse. Investigators also located stolen cargo from an East Coast-based company, E-Lo Sportswear,' the news release stated. The suspects were each being held on $250,000 bail. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
