Authorities bust $400K T.J. Maxx theft ring in Bay Area; 16 suspects tied to case
Other Bay Area police departments took charge in state retail theft grant application
When the opportunity for a crime-fighting grant became available through California's Board of State and Community Corrections, many law enforcement agencies in the Bay Area put in an application; Oakland did not.
SAN JOSE, Calif. - Authorities broke up a massive theft ring targeting Bay Area T.J. Maxx stores, recovering $380,000 in stolen merchandise.
Crew linked to 80 thefts
What we know:
According to the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, 16 suspects were involved in more than 80 thefts, sometimes striking stores several times a day.
The stolen merchandise was resold at flea markets in San Jose.
The probe began in May, after T.J. Maxx alerted authorities of an organized crew hitting multiple locations.
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The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office led the investigation, using surveillance and other techniques to track the suspects.
Nearly $400,000 merch recovered at stash houses
Dig deeper:
Authorities identified 16 people connected to the scheme and uncovered five stash locations for stolen goods.
At a San Jose home on the 2000 block of Dobern Avenue, investigators recovered more than $225,000 in merchandise and illegal drugs. Another home on Giannotta Way held more than $100,000 in goods. In total, investigators seized $380,000 in stolen property from several South Bay locations.
Eight suspects were arrested: Christian Hernandez Guzman, 20; Jazmine Sanchez Valencia, 23; Esmeralda Hernandez Guzman, 44; Maria Sanchez, 66; Jose Guzman, 32; Derek Montes Rios, 19; Stephanie Juarez Polvos, 29; and Rigoberto Hernandez Guzman, 36.
Authorities said they are still searching for several suspects, including Juan Molas, 41; Kevin Calderon, 19; Jacobo Giron, 26; and five others who have not yet been identified.
The Source: Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office