Three Bakersfield residents have been arrested following a series of retail thefts throughout Southern California that included the presence of a three-month-old infant. According to a report by KTLA, the individuals identified as Janaih Unique Bolden, 24, Xzayvia Somoan Peterson, 29, and Joshlyn Lavette Bell-Sanders, 34, were apprehended on July 23. They are accused of stealing more than $5,000 worth of merchandise from several retailers, including Old Navy, Ross, Gap, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
These thefts were not solely confined to Ventura County, as the suspects allegedly hit stores in Los Angeles, Orange, and Kern counties as well. The Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force, along with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office – Bureau of Investigation, tracked down the suspects after they were seen using a baby's stroller, which held and concealed stolen goods during their alleged crimes. Bringing along the infant during a theft spree, Ventura County sheriff's deputies took the trio into custody after they departed an Old Navy store at the Janss Marketplace.
During their arrest, authorities found in Bolden's possession a large magnet, a tool often employed by thieves to dismantle security devices, as reported by a Nixle news release. Furthermore, all three were slapped with numerous felony charges that include organized retail theft, conspiracy, grand theft, receiving stolen property, and child endangerment. The infant, who is Bolden's daughter, was placed in the care of Ventura County Child Protective Services.
The suspects' bail amounts witnessed some shifts; initially set at substantial figures, with Bolden's and Peterson's resting at $170,000 and Bell-Sanders' surging to $320,000. However, during arraignment, the judge shaved these down to $10,000 for Bell-Sanders and Bolden and $20,000 for Peterson. As part of the Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force's initiative – which was founded thanks to a California Retail Theft Prevention Grant – detectives from various agencies are intensely focused on thwarting organized retail theft, which yearly siphons an estimated $10 million from businesses in the region.
The annual damage retail theft inflicts on the economy of Ventura County, which is estimated at a colossal $10 million, underscores the critical work of the Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force. In response to the ongoing retail theft cases, the task force encourages anyone possessing information to come forward and contact their recorded line at (805) 383-8703 or the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). As the Sheriff's Office coordinates efforts to combat these crimes, the community is reminded that they can provide tips anonymously, aiding in the pursuit of justice without compromising personal safety.
