Members of a Hemet family were arrested Thursday for allegedly running a fencing operation out of their residence, where stolen tools and other merchandise were displayed inside of the suspects’ garage as if the location was a discount store.
Edgar Alan Carvajal, 50, Jorge Carvajal, 78, Mary Carvajal, 73, and Kimberly Resaneo were all booked into the Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta Thursday on suspicion of organized retail theft, conspiracy and receiving stolen property. Each was being held in lieu of $10,000 bail.
“This operation sends a strong message that organized retail theft will not be tolerated in our community,” according to a Hemet Police Department statement. “The recovered merchandise will be returned to the affected businesses, helping to reduce their financial losses.”
The agency alleged that the suspects’ activities were uncovered during an investigation prompted by a loss prevention officer at a retail outlet, who learned “stolen merchandise was being sold on a social media sales platform” and contacted police.
Detectives probed further and confirmed “the individuals were advertising a large quantity of unopened, brand-new tools displayed in a retail-style setup with shelving and items hung on walls,” according to the police department.
“These products were being offered at significantly reduced prices, further raising suspicion,” the agency stated.
The operation was tracked to the suspects’ property in the 41800 block of Lomas Street, police said.
“Through additional investigative efforts, it was confirmed the items were indeed stolen and that the residents of the home were actively purchasing stolen goods from various individuals to resell for profit,” the police department said.
Search warrants were procured and served at the home shortly after 7 a.m. Thursday, culminating in the seizure of the alleged stolen goods.
All of the suspects were taken into custody without incident. Background information on them was unavailable.