Three Bakersfield residents have been arrested following a series of retail thefts throughout Southern California that included the presence of a three-month-old infant. According to a report by KTLA, the individuals identified as Janaih Unique Bolden, 24, Xzayvia Somoan Peterson, 29, and Joshlyn Lavette Bell-Sanders, 34, were apprehended on July 23. They are accused of stealing more than $5,000 worth of merchandise from several retailers, including Old Navy, Ross, Gap, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
These thefts were not solely confined to Ventura County, as the suspects allegedly hit stores in Los Angeles, Orange, and Kern counties as well. The Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force, along with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office – Bureau of Investigation, tracked down the suspects after they were seen using a baby’s stroller, which held and concealed stolen goods during their alleged crimes. Bringing along the infant during a theft spree, Ventura County sheriff’s deputies took the trio into custody after they departed an Old Navy store at the Janss Marketplace.
During their arrest, authorities found in Bolden’s possession a large magnet, a tool often employed by thieves to dismantle security devices, as reported by a Nixle news release. Furthermore, all three were slapped with numerous felony charges that include organized retail theft, conspiracy, grand theft, receiving stolen property, and child endangerment. The infant, who is Bolden’s daughter, was placed in the care of Ventura County Child Protective Services…