Organized Retail Theft Task Force Operation Arrest

September 24, 2024 – Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials report that the Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force (VCORTTF) recently concluded an investigation with the arrest of Kevin Ochoa Ordaz, a resident of Huntington Park. Ordaz was identified as the primary suspect in a series of thefts targeting LensCrafters, ULTA, and Target stores across Ventura County.

VCORTTF detectives have also determined Ordaz was responsible for stealing merchandise valued at tens of thousands of dollars across multiple Southern California retail stores. From ULTA stores alone, Ordaz is believed to have stolen over $35,000 worth of products. Additionally, he is suspected of stealing prescription eyewear and various other items from LensCrafters and Target stores, totaling several thousand dollars in losses.

On September 10, 2024, VCORTTF detectives located and arrested Ordaz in the parking lot of the Target store in Camarillo.  Two additional subjects, Juan Caudillo (51) from Downey and Desire Garcia (27) from Compton were also arrested. Caudillo was arrested for three outstanding warrants from Orange County. Garcia was arrested as she exited the Target store after stealing merchandise.  Garcia also had an outstanding warrant for burglary out of Los Angeles County.  

Ordaz was booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility on felony charges related to Organized Retail Theft.  A judge approved detectives’ request to increase Ordaz’s bail amount to $100,000 due to the numerous thefts he is suspected of committing as well as his lengthy criminal history, which dates back to 2008.  Detectives also filed paperwork with the court to cause a hearing to determine the source of any monies Ordaz may produce for the purpose of bail due to their belief it was likely Ordaz would use illegally obtained funds.

Ordaz was charged by the District Attorney’s Office with two felony counts of 490.4(a)(1) PC – Organized Retail Theft, two felony counts of 487(a) PC – Grand Theft and one misdemeanor count of 466 PC – Possession of burglary tools along with special allegations.   He appeared for arraignment in Ventura County Superior Court on September 12, 2024, where he pleaded not guilty and was ordered released from custody on his own recognizance.  Ordaz’ case was continued to September 25, 2024, in Courtroom #13 for a preliminary examination.

Caudillo was arrested and booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for his outstanding arrest warrants and later transferred to Orange County.

Garcia was issued a misdemeanor citation for the petty theft committed at Target and held on a $100,000 warrant out of Los Angeles County. Garcia was later transferred to the custody of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.

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: Ventura County Sheriff's Office