On November 7, 2023, the Golden Gate Division’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force successfully executed search warrants in Oakland and Galt in coordination with the Valley Division Investigative Services Unit and the Concord Police Department. According to a CHP Golden Gate Division social media post, the operations were based on prior intelligence suggesting the Oakland residence was possibly being used for illegal fencing activities associated with known suspects.

In Galt, authorities believed additional stolen merchandise may be stored in a box van and a trailer. While searching the Oakland residence, investigators found stolen retail merchandise and a loaded handgun. CHP says the primary suspects were apprehended and booked into the Alameda County jail. Further investigation revealed the suspect had leased a storage facility in Oakland leading to another search warrant.

CHP says another search yielded more stolen merchandise. Investigators located and seized $17,344.00 as proceeds from illicit criminal activity. While checking several vehicles containing stolen items, authorities found a second loaded handgun. In Galt, Valley Investigative Services Unit Investigators located and seized two vehicles that contained stolen retail merchandise.

With help from retail personnel, it was estimated that the total value of the recovered merchandise exceeded $350,000.