Multi-county burglary spree targeting lottery tickets ends in arrest

(FOX40.COM) — The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department announced the district attorney has filed charges against Raul Jr. Najera, the prime suspect behind a multi-county burglary spree targeting small businesses for California Lottery tickets.
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“Our law enforcement teams worked closely with local and state partners to identify and apprehend the suspect in this case,” the state lottery agency said. “Their collective, thorough investigative work underscores our commitment to the security of our retailers and players, as well as their dedication to our mission.”

California Lottery said that this crime wave has been stretching back for years.

Between July 2024 and 2025, the cities of Camarillo and Thousand Oaks were hit with five targeted burglaries, according to the California Lottery spokesperson. Small business owners said they woke up to shattered glass, broken gates, and thousands of stolen scratchers.

“The California Lottery is committed to protecting the integrity of our games and our retail partners who sell them,” Carolyn Becker, California Lottery spokesperson, said. “That integrity is central to our mission of raising supplemental funding for California public education—and that mission depends on public trust.

The sheriff’s department said during the investigation in August that Najera was caught by LAPD investigators committing a Lottery ticket burglary.

At this time, officials said Najera is in custody at the LA County Jail and the sheriff’s office is actively working with LASO to facilitate his arrest and transfer him to Ventura County, where he will be facing five felony burglary charges.

The California Lottery officials express appreciation for the outcome of a team effort investigation involving multiple agencies.

“We are proud to stand with law enforcement in holding accountable those who attempt to undermine that trust. Our commitment to transparency, security, and integrity remains unwavering.”