LOS ANGELES, CA – Police in Southern California have arrested a man in connection with an organized retail theft operation after discovering approximately $150,000 worth of stolen merchandise during an undercover investigation, authorities announced Friday.
The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Wendell Rios of Costa Mesa, was taken into custody on Wednesday following a sting operation conducted by the Costa Mesa Police Department.
Detectives posed as buyers on an online marketplace where Rios had allegedly listed stolen items for sale. When Rios handed over the goods to the undercover officers, police immediately arrested him.
During a search of Rios’ vehicle, authorities discovered around $54,000 worth of stolen merchandise, including high-end retail products and counterfeit headphones, according to the police.
A subsequent search warrant executed at Rios’ residence uncovered an additional $10,000 worth of luxury goods, including designer fragrances and other high-end products. Officers also located over $23,000 in cash believed to be proceeds from the illegal operation.
Investigators extended their search to a nearby storage unit linked to Rios, where they found even more stolen items. In total, the operation yielded approximately $150,000 in stolen merchandise, according to authorities.
Photographs released by the police showcased an extensive collection of luxury items recovered during the bust. The items included fragrances from brands such as Chanel, Dior, Versace, and Maison Francis Kurkdjian. Boxes of stolen Dyson Airwrap hair styling tools, Apple AirPods Max headphones, and other high-value electronics were also recovered.
The Costa Mesa Police Department credited the success of the operation to grant funding from the state aimed at tackling organized retail theft.
“This investigation and arrest is a great example of the Costa Mesa Police Department making effective use of grant funding received from the state to combat organized retail theft,” Costa Mesa Police Chief Ron Lawrence said in a statement.
Lawrence also highlighted the collaborative efforts with Macy’s Organized Retail Crime division, which assisted in the investigation.
“With Prop 36 going into effect today, repeat offenders of retail theft will now see real consequences for committing theft crimes,” Lawrence added, emphasizing a renewed commitment to addressing organized theft rings.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine whether Rios was part of a larger network involved in retail theft across the region. Police have urged any businesses or individuals with information related to the case to come forward.
Rios remains in custody, and charges are expected to be formally filed in the coming days.
