Family arrested for ransacking Ventura County retail stores

A family was arrested for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars worth of merchandise from stores in Ventura County.

The suspects were identified as:

• Alexandri Mejorada, 23
• Eduardo Arellano, 25
• Gustavo Arellano, 47

The trio, all Anaheim residents, are allegedly responsible for targeting and ransacking multiple Ross Dress For Less stores, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

Gustavo is the father of both Eduardo and Alexandri, authorities said.

On April 9, deputies responded to a theft in progress at a Ross store on the 2500 block of Las Posas Road. The store’s loss prevention manager said the three suspects were seen removing security tags and “hiding merchandise on their persons.”

After Eduardo and Alexandri left the store, they were stopped by deputies in the parking lot. Their father, Gustavo, had fled the scene.

During the sons’ arrest, several hundred dollars worth of stolen clothing, shoes and accessories were discovered, officials said. A device used to disable store security tags was also found in the pocket of Eduardo’s pants.

In total, the trio is accused of burglarizing four Ross stores and escaping with around $3,000 worth of merchandise, deputies said.

Both Eduardo and Alexandri were arrested and charged with one felony count of organized retail theft.

On May 5, detectives located and arrested Gustavo near his home in Anaheim. He was booked on charges of grand theft and conspiracy. He is being held on $150,000 bail. A court hearing is scheduled for May 6.

The arrests were made by the newly formed Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force.

“The task force is comprised of detectives from various agencies within Ventura County with the primary mission of combatting organized retail theft, vehicle/vehicle parts theft and cargo theft which impact our businesses, citizens, and communities here in Ventura County,” officials said.

The task force aims to provide a safe environment for everyone while working hand in hand with retailers, law enforcement agencies and the public to identify, locate and arrest the criminals involved in these types of crimes.

The theft remains under investigation.

Anyone with information can call the Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force at 805-383-8703.

Anonymous tips can be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.

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