Arrests Made in Multi-County Organized Retail Theft
May 18, 2024 – May 18, 2024 - Riverside County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on April 24, 2024, the Southwest Sheriff’s Station deputies responded 
to a business in the 32100 block of Temecula Parkway in the City of Temecula regarding multiple suspects who conspired to steal over $1,000.00 in merchandise. It was learned that the same suspects were also responsible for several other thefts at other Southern California retail stores.
The Southwest Sheriff’s Station’s Robbery/Burglary Suppression Team (RBST) assumed the investigation and identified the suspects responsible as 50-year-old Thomas Balandran, 48-year-old Sherri Alvarez, 19-year-old Brianna Balandran, and a 17-year-old juvenile, all family members, and residents of Jurupa Valley. Throughout the investigation, it was confirmed the suspects were responsible for at least ten separate thefts throughout Riverside, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles counties. In total, the suspects were responsible for over $7,000.00 in loss, and it is believed there are additional unidentified incidents of theft.
On May 13, 2024, RBST located the suspects and served a search warrant in the 6800 block of Valley Way in the city of Jurupa Valley. During the search, deputies located a large amount of merchandise from the retailers with tags still affixed. Several other items of evidentiary value were also located, including narcotics and paraphernalia inside the residence. The three adult suspects were booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center for organized retail theft, burglary, conspiracy, and grand theft. The juvenile was released to a family member, and charges will be filed with juvenile probation. Additionally, Thomas Balandran was determined to be on Riverside County Probation for grand theft, and additional charges were added to include violation of probation and drug-related offenses.
The investigation led deputies to additional residences believed to be involved in knowingly buying stolen goods with the intent to resell them for profit, also known as “fencing.” On May 14, 2024, deputies served two additional search warrants in the city of Moreno Valley. During the service of the warrant, deputies located and recovered over $3,000.00 of additional stolen merchandise. This is an ongoing investigation, and no additional information is available.
These suspects are believed to be responsible for additional thefts that may have not been reported to law enforcement. Anyone with additional information related to this case is encouraged to contact Deputy Christina Weber of the Southwest Station RBST Team at (951) 696-3133.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has zero tolerance for these offenses and will continue to work proactively with our allied agencies, loss prevention partners, and the District Attorney’s Office to combat organized retail crime.
Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Josh Hephner
File: TE241150134
Source: Riverside County Sheriff’s Office
