In a significant blow to the underground market for stolen goods, detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Major Crimes Bureau Organized Retail Theft and Cargo Theft Task Force recovered over $1 million worth of precious metals in Acton. According to a Facebook post by the LASD, the heist involved a cargo load of precious metals stolen from the Chicago area that was traced back to Los Angeles County.
The detectives executed a search warrant on January 26, 2024, at the residence of suspect Khatchik Aleksanian. Discovered was over 130,000 pounds of copper and brass, valued at a staggering $1.2 million, additionally snatching 50 brand new big rig tires worth $50,000. A concerning discovery, a cache of 10 firearms including handguns, rifles, and assault weapons, were also seized from the residence. These weapons were found in proximity to a child at the location, which is accessible to them.
Aleksanian faces charges for receiving stolen property and child endangerment, reportedly being held on $20,000 bail at Palmdale Sheriff’s Station, with a court date set for January 30, 2024, at the Antelope Valley Court House, the LASD reports.
In response to the rise in organized retail theft, the LASD inaugurated the Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF) in September 2023, dedicating teams to investigate the issue also intertwining with outside law enforcement agencies and federal partners. Individuals with information regarding the recent recovery or related criminal activity are encouraged to contact ORCTF at [email protected] or call 562-946-7270, as detailed in the LASD statement.
