PITTSBURG, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) today announced the arrest of a suspect believed to be part of an organized retail theft ring and the recovery of stolen merchandise valued at more than $700,000.
Investigators assigned to Golden Gate Division’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF) arrested the suspect and subsequently executed a search warrant at a Pittsburg residence and a storage facility. The searches resulted in the discovery of stolen retail merchandise from CVS Health, Target, RiteAid, Safeway, Sunglass Hut, Macy’s, Total Wine and More, Lululemon, and several other retailers.
The suspect, Julio Cuellar, 45, of Pittsburg, was arrested and booked into Solano County Jail on several charges, including organized retail theft and conspiracy.
While conducting the search of the Pittsburg address, investigators learned Cuellar leased several storage units at a nearby storage facility. Investigators obtained a second search warrant for the storage units where they located additional stolen retail merchandise. The stolen retail items have been linked to thefts throughout California, and the confirmed value is $715,000.
Golden Gate Division Chief Chris Costigan commended the hard work and dedication of the CHP Organized Retail Theft Task Force. “The task force, in collaboration with the retail industry and our allied agency partners, is identifying these organized rings and making our communities safer,” Costigan said.
The ORCTF’s efforts are consistent with the CHP’s mission to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security and are in line with the CHP’s goal to protect life and property.
Organized retail theft incidents may be reported to CHP online at: https://www.chp.ca.gov/not…/organized-retail-theft-program.
