Community
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Fraud Suspect Arrested
| Nature of Incident: | Fraud Suspect Arrested | |||||
| Report Number: | 24-51193 / 25-42606 | |||||
| Location: | 19700 Block of Vanowen Street, Los Angeles, Ca. | |||||
| Date & Time: | 05/14/2025 @ 13:46 PM | |||||
| Unit(s) Responsible: | VCORTTF / Simi Valley PD | |||||
| Suspect |
City of Residence |
Age | ||||
| Allen, Shante Monique | New York | 32 | ||||
| Narrative: |
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| On 04/08/25, VCORTTF Detectives received information regarding a suspect committing return fraud at an Ulta Store in the City of Moorpark. Through further investigation, VCORTTF Detectives learned of six additional incidents in Ventura County, where return fraud occurred. The investigation also revealed out of county crimes committed by both Allen and another male suspect. On 05/14/25, during the ongoing investigation, VCORTTF Detectives were able to identify and arrest Shante M. Allen in the area of the city Los Angeles known as Winnetka. VCORTTF was assisted by Simi Valley Police Detectives, who located and followed Allen after her vehicle alerted travelling through Simi Valley. Once VCORTTF Detectives arrived on scene and conducted surveillance, Allen was arrested walking back to her vehicle. A search of Allen’s vehicle, after her arrest, revealed multiple stolen items from both Ulta and Home Good stores. Shante M. Allen is a repeat offender with a history of fraud in the state of New York. During the investigation and by her own admission, it was determined Allen formulated a lucrative return scheme to fraudulently acquire products from stores and return the same items for profit. The loss is believed to be approximately $35,000.00 dollars, with follow-up investigation still pending. Shante M. Allen was booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura on felony charges related to 487(a)PC – Grand Theft, 182(a)(1)PC - Conspiracy to Commit a Crime and 114PC - Use of False Documents. After posting bail, Allen is scheduled for arraignment on 05/29/25 for the above-mentioned charges. A warrant was also submitted for the second suspect in this case. This information is being released as a Business Awareness Bulletin and reminder for businesses to remain vigilant to new and evolving fraud schemes. The Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force was formed after the Sheriff’s Office was awarded grant funding under the California Retail Theft Prevention Grant Program. This program formalizes a coordinated effort, overseen by the Sheriff’s Office, involving all law enforcement agencies in Ventura County to prevent and combat the estimated $10 million yearly loss from organized retail theft, vehicle/vehicle parts theft and cargo theft. The task force is comprised of detectives from various agencies within Ventura County with the primary mission of combatting organized retail theft, vehicle/vehicle parts theft and cargo theft which impact our businesses, citizens, and communities here in Ventura County. The task force aims to provide a safe environment for everyone while working hand in hand with retailers, law enforcement agencies and the public to identify, locate and arrest the criminals involved in these types of crimes. Persons with information regarding organized retail theft, vehicle/vehicle parts theft or cargo theft are encouraged to call the Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force’s recorded line at (805) 383-8703 or by calling the Crime Stoppers Tip Line (800) 222-TIPS (8477). You can remain anonymous when calling either number. |
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| Prepared by: | Sergeant Baltazar Tapia | |||||
| News Release Date: | 05/21/25 | |||||
| Media Follow-Up Contact: | Sergeant Baltazar Tapia [email protected] |
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| Approved by: Booking Photo Release: |
Captain Matthew Young YES NO |
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Address/Location
Ventura County Sheriff's Office
800 S Victoria Ave
Ventura, CA 93003
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 805-654-9511