Family arrested for retail theft and retail store ransacking in Southern California

A family has been 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 believed to be responsible for targeting and ransacking several Ross Dress For Less stores, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

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

On April 9, officers responded to a theft at a Ross store in 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 bodies.”

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

When the sons were arrested, hundreds of dollars worth of stolen clothing, shoes and accessories were discovered, officials said. A device that could deactivate the store’s security tags was also found in Eduardo’s pocket.

In total, the trio is accused of breaking into four Ross stores and making off with about $3,000 worth of merchandise, officials said.

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

On May 5, investigators located and arrested Gustavo near his home in Anaheim. He was charged with grand larceny 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 throughout Ventura County with the primary mission of combating organized retail theft, vehicle/vehicle part theft and cargo theft that impact our businesses, citizens and communities here in Ventura County,” officials said.

The aim of the task force is to create a safe environment for all while working hand in hand with retailers, law enforcement and the public to identify, locate and arrest the criminals involved in such 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 given to LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.