The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of four people suspected of stealing and “fencing” property from several major retailers throughout Southern California.
San Bernardino County residents Francisco Gallardo-Chavez, 36, and Cervando Aguilera-Cardenas, 35, along with Orange County residents Robert Godinez, 49, and Silvia Villegas-Cruz 44, have been booked on felony charges for the theft spree targeting Ross, Burlington, and T.J. Maxx stores across the state, including in Ventura County.
A Ross Store Protection employee called to report a theft on Jan. 15, 2026 in Port Hueneme. Two suspects, later identified as Gallardo-Chavez and Aguilera-Cardenas, were caught on surveillance video concealing multiple items on their persons, investigators said.
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They were identified by the Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force (VCORTTF). Authorities were also able to identify additional suspects as “fences” for stolen property…