On 10/10/2023, deputies with Camarillo Directed Enforcement Unit received information that a theft may have occurred at a business located in the Camarillo Premium Outlets. The information was quickly passed on to a Camarillo Patrol Unit that was in the area. The patrol deputy located the suspect vehicle and conducted a traffic enforcement stop for a vehicle code violation.
During the traffic stop, the deputy contacted Jonatan Nino, Heymi Hernandez, and Anyela Rojas Cardenas. As the investigation unfolded, the deputy discovered Nino, Hernandez, and Rojas Cardenas were in possession of a “booster bag” and a large amount of property from nearby businesses. Based on the booster bag and the information that led up to the traffic stop, deputies believed the property may have been stolen.
A "booster bag" is a burglary tool which is constructed specifically to defeat electronic security sensors and detectors utilized by businesses and retail stores as theft deterrents. Booster bags typically consist of an inconspicuous bag and/or container lined with a conductive material which provides an electromagnetic shield around the merchandise's security sensor and prevents communication with the detector antennae typically stationed at the exit of a business. The term "booster bag" originates from the street term, "boost", which means the intentional action of theft.
Detectives from the Camarillo Special Enforcement Unit and Directed Enforcement Unit responded to assist with the investigation.
It was discovered that the property in the vehicle was stolen from four nearby businesses.
All three of the suspects were in possession of counterfeit Columbian identification cards. Additionally, Nino provided his brother’s name to deputies on scene in an attempt to conceal his identity. Ultimately, deputies learned Nino’s real name and found out he was on felony probation out of Los Angeles for weapons charges.
All three subjects were arrested for organized retail theft and possession of burglary tools. Additionally, Nino was arrested for providing false information to a peace officer.
Organized retail theft crews will commonly work in conjunction to steal merchandise from businesses. One member may act as a lookout while the others conceal merchandise in booster bags, children’s strollers, or on their person. Organized retail theft crews often steal multiple sizes of the same retail product/merchandise to illegally resell for profit via social media, various internet-based marketplaces (Offer up, Craigslist, Poshmark, etc.), and other mediums.
Not only do organized retail theft crews cause billions of dollars in losses to retailers nationwide, but they also pose a threat to customers and employees of the business. There has been an increase in violent incidents involving organized retail theft crews throughout the nation.
The Camarillo Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) is comprised of a sergeant and four detectives, whose focus is assisting patrol services with the investigation of various crimes including, but not limited to, the investigation of illegal firearms, gang related crimes, and graffiti vandalism.
The Directed Enforcement Unit is comprised of two detectives whose focus is assisting patrol services with various crimes including organized retail investigations.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence in providing information to assist our agency in solving crimes. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships.
Join us in the fight on crime by following us on Twitter @VENTURASHERIFF, Facebook, Instagram @ VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.
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