Retail Theft = Jail Time 

May 30, 2025 – Fresno Police Department officials report that Organized Retail Theft detectives contacted a female suspect, identified as Shaghayegh Abedi, for theft from a store during an undercover operation. Detectives began investigating the female's history of theft which revealed numerous stores around Fresno including Target, Sprouts, Sephora, Home Goods, Save Mart, and White House Black Market. After stealing items, she would then sell them at a discounted price to people in the community.

ORT detectives served a search warrant associated to this case and located over $20,000 in stolen property. The property was recovered and turned over to the rightful stores or booked into evidence. Detectives worked diligently with Loss Prevention teams from many stores to ensure the case was detailed and included as many victim merchants as possible. Abedi was arrested for PC 487(A) – Felony Grand Theft, PC 490.4(A)(3) – Organized Retail Theft, and PC 496(A) – Receiving known stolen property.

The Fresno Police Department, in partnership with local enforcement agencies and merchant loss prevention teams, will be investigating and prosecuting retail thieves. As a result of Prop 36, we are now able to charge these chronic thieves with additional felonies that carry stiffer penalties and increased jail time. If you have any information about retail theft in our community, please contact (559) 621-7000 or Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP to remain anonymous.

A photo of the suspect is not posted due to the California Penal Code 13665.

To learn more about the definition of a violent crime, please look at California Penal Code 667.5.

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Source & photos: Fresno Police Department