21 adults, 16 kids arrested in retail theft operation at California mall: sheriff

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. - Authorities arrested 37 suspects as part of a retail theft blitz operation in Ventura County, FOX LA reported Sunday.

The operation took place Friday and Saturday at the Pacific View Mall in Ventura, according to the sheriff's department. 

A total of 21 adults and 16 kids were arrested, officials said, and nearly $2,000 in stolen property, burglary tools, and narcotics including methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine, were recovered.

The adult suspects have been identified as: 

• William Borchard of Ventura, 32
• Alyona French of Ventura, 33
• Fredy Velasquez of Santa Paula, 18
• Jonathan Zazueta of Oxnard, 24
• Randy Martinez of Santa Paula, 35
• Skylar Martinez of Ventura, 26
• Matthew Raley of Ventura, 43
• Anthony Romero of Oxnard, 34
• Richard Munoz of Ventura, 39
• Travis Ross of Ojai, 34
• Andre Fernandez of Oxnard, 35
• Candice Arsenault of Oxnard, 43
• Ashlee Honsberger of Oxnard, 27
• Savannah Hartman of Oxnard, 18
• Sahrayah Hartman of Oxnard, 21
• Jacob Aragon of Camarillo, 22
• Erika Martinez of Ventura, 29
• Valentin Lucero of Ventura, 53
• Tony Valdez of Ventura, 37
• Heraclio Lara of Ventura, 29
• William Martinez of Ventura, 45

"This effort highlights the significant shoplifting challenges affecting not only the mall but also businesses across the county," the sheriff's department wrote in a press release. 

The task force was assisted by officers from the Ventura Police Department and patrol deputies from the Thousand Oaks and Camarillo.

Ventura County retailers who are experiencing significant retail theft and want to participate in similar blitz operations can call the task force's main line at (805) 383-8703.

Those with information regarding organized retail theft, vehicle/vehicle parts theft or cargo theft are encouraged to call the main line number above or Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1 (800) 222-TIPS (8477).