Placer DA breaks up alleged organized theft operation; $700K in merchandise recovered

The Placer County District Attorney's Office has filed criminal charges against a group of people accused of organized retail theft, an operation which resulted in more than $700,000 in stolen merchandise. Facing charges of organized retail theft, conspiracy to commit felony crimes, receiving stolen property and other allegations, according to the Placer County DA's office, are: Eryne Corea Guevara, 29; Claudia Cruz Barragan, 42; Daniela Cruz Barragan, 33; Irene Cruz Barragan, 35; Ivan Espinoza, 33; Jefferson Garcia Rivera, 21; Isaid Garcia-Chapas, 41; Jennifer Garcia-Cruz, 19; Roberto Luna Varela, 34; Yolanda Martinez, 45; Yurida Ramirez Sandolval, 35; and Elan Rosales-Montes, 35, all of Oakland; and Bach Bui, 53, of El Sobrante. Placer County officials said the charges stem from numerous thefts that occurred within Placer County that culminated in a multiple agency operation last week in Oakland. The operation recovered more than $700,000 worth of stolen merchandise and extensive counterfeit merchandise. This collaborative investigation and prosecution was made possible by Placer County's retail theft initiative. The defendants appeared in court on Monday, Dec. 15. Defense attorneys were appointed to represent them. The next court date was scheduled for Dec. 22 in Department 20 at 8:30 a.m. Learn more about the District Attorney's Office's Retail Theft Initiative at https://www.placer.ca.gov/RetailTheft