September 1, 2023 - CERES, Calif. - CHP Central Division officials report that a Ceres resident was arrested Wednesday by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is believed to be responsible for a series of organized retail thefts statewide targeting TJ Maxx and Marshalls stores, resulting in a total loss of more than $40,000.
The arrest of 33-year-old Fabian Ochoa Bravo of Stanislaus County follows a more than a monthlong investigation. On July 7, 2023, CHP investigators were notified from retailers Ti Maxx and Marshalls that a suspect was committing organized retail theft within the Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Central Valley areas.
Bravo was originally identified as the suspect after conducting organized retail thefts with a second unknown suspect in the Los Angeles area. While committing a retail theft, a license plate of the suspect vehicle was obtained, which led to the identification of Bravo. During the investigation, it was determined Bravo was on probation out of Santa Clara County for a previous arrest involving organized retail theft. Bravo was also suspected of being responsible for an additional seven thefts from Ti Maxx and Marshalls retail stores resulting in a total loss of $5,572.55. Investigators conducted surveillance on Bravo and followed him to a residence in the city of Ceres where he was seen unloading what appeared to be suspected stolen merchandise.
On August 30, 2023, the CHP Central Division Warrant Service Team served a search warrant at an address in the city of Ceres and located approximately $40,376.76, worth of stolen merchandise. Bravo was arrested for organized retail theft related crimes and violation of his probation. TJ Maxx loss prevention personnel responded to the address and assisted with the identification and took possession of the stolen merchandise. Bravo was transported and booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center without incident for organized retail theft related charges.
The CHP encourages anyone with information related to retail theft crime to contact: CHP-ORCTF-Central@chp.ca.gov. The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
Source & photo: CHP Central Division
