CHP: $326K Recovered in Organized Retail Crime Operation

OAKLAND, Calif – A joint operation involving the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Golden Gate Division Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF), the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office (SMSO), and the San Ramon Police Department (SRPD) has led to the recovery of suspected stolen merchandise valued at over $326,000 and the arrest of a suspect operating as a fence for stolen goods.

In late September 2023, the SMSO identified and arrested several individuals for their participation in an organized retail theft ring targeting multiple retails stores. During their subsequent investigation, SMSO identified an individual who was selling the stolen merchandise (fence). As SMSO was continuing their investigation, the SRPD identified and arrested multiple suspects involved in numerous thefts from local Sephora stores. SRPD’s subsequent investigation led them to identify the same fence that was already being investigated by SMSO.

Once it was determined that both SMSO and SRPD were investigating the same suspected fence, the ORCTF was contacted and began collaborating with both agencies on their investigations. Working cooperatively, the three agencies built a case against the suspected fence and obtained search warrants for two homes in Oakland as well as an off-site storage container. Between the three locations, stolen goods from Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Target, Kohl’s, T.J.Maxx, Safeway, Rite Aid and Sunglass Hut were recovered with a value of over $326,000. Investigators also seized over $12,000 in cash profits from the illegal operation.

On April 17, Octavio Ambriz-Valle, 52, of Oakland was booked into Alameda County Jail on charges of organized retail crime, grand theft, possession of stolen property and conspiracy to commit a crime.

We would like to thank our partners at the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office and the San Ramon Police Department for the incredible work they did to bring this investigation to a close. Retail theft operations often cross city and county boundaries, and it takes incredible teamwork between all law enforcement agencies to dismantle the operations and bring those responsible to justice.

Images by CHP & San Ramon PD