A recent case involving alleged retail theft at a Bath & Body Works store in San Francisco's Westfield Mall totaling $15,079.90 has drawn attention to the ongoing issue of organized retail theft. Carmelita Barela, a 30-year-old resident of San Francisco, pled not guilty to charges including one count of felony organized retail theft, along with six counts of felony grand theft, and nine counts of misdemeanor shoplifting on November 9, as per the statement from the San Francisco District Attorney's Office.

From March 30 to October 29, Barela is alleged to be involved in 20 retail theft incidents. Residents and businesses alike have expressed growing concern, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins pointed out. Jenkins has advocated for holding repeat offenders accountable in order to help address the issue of organized retail theft.

The prosecution of Barela falls under the District Attorney's Office's Organized Retail Theft Vertical Prosecution Grant Program. Funded through a $2 million grant from the California Board of State and Community Corrections, the initiative aims to target organized retail theft. Although charges have been filed, the investigation is ongoing, with the San Francisco Police Department and the District Attorney's Office working in tandem to identify potential suspects. 

This case is an active investigation. Anyone with information relevant to this case or related to organized retail theft is encouraged to reach out to the San Francisco Police Department Tip Line or Text a Tip, as detailed in the District Attorney's press release. Those providing information can choose to remain anonymous.