June 21, 2024 – Ventura County Sheriff’s Office officials report that two Los Angeles residents suspected of stealing from Target and Ralph’s stores in Ventura County were arrested on various charges.

On June 12, 2024, patrol deputies from the Thousand Oaks Police Department responded to a theft that had just occurred at the Target located in the 2700 block of Teller Road in Thousand Oaks.  Target’s Loss Prevention called to report two suspects who were seen concealing multiple bottles of alcohol on their person.

A quick and coordinated response by Thousand Oaks deputies resulted in the arrest of John Daniel Johnson and Dhati Mack Conley while the vehicle was leaving the Target parking lot.   During the initial contact, Deputies located the initial stolen merchandise. During a search of the vehicle, Deputies found several thousand dollars’ worth of additional stolen high end alcohol bottles in their possession, some of which had Ralphs stickers.  The estimated value of the recovered liquor was approximately $5,000.00 from both Target and Ralph’s stores.

Johnson and Conley were booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura on felony charges related to organized retail theft.  Due to their extensive criminal history, VCORTTF detectives sought a bail increase which was approved by a judge setting Johnson’s and Conley’s bail at $200,000. 

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.

Source & photos: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office