Two suspects arrested in $20K Bay Area retail theft bust

(KRON) — An estimated $20,000 in stolen merchandise was recovered and two people were arrested following searches in Oakland related to a suspected retail theft ring and fencing operation, according to the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office.

“A search of a home on West Court and a storage unit on San Leandro Street revealed stolen goods from Ulta, Target, CVS, Walgreens, TJ Maxx, and Sally Beauty — worth nearly $10,000 and counting,” the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office said.

The suspects, 33-year-old Ivan Espinoza and 41-year-old Claudia Barragan, 41, both of Oakland, face charges of organized retail theft, receiving stolen property and conspiracy. The other “beauty bandits” remain unidentified in the case, the sheriff’s office said. 

Authorities were led to the stolen merchandise while investigating the theft of $5,000 in Ulta Beauty products allegedly stolen out of Cupertino.