Southern California Woman Facing 8 Years After Police Uncover $350K Stolen Product Stash in Westlake Store

A Southern California woman was arrested and prosecuted after police confiscated more than $350,000 in stolen products during a huge retail theft bust.

On March 5, police served a search warrant at a store on 6th and Alvarado Streets, across from MacArthur Park in Los Angeles’ Westlake neighbourhood, as part of an investigation into retail theft.

Blanca Escobar, 65, of Los Angeles, allegedly owned the shop, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Inside the store, officers uncovered a vast stockroom loaded with stolen products.

Photos of the bust revealed an extensive assortment of beauty and healthcare products, skincare items, footwear, apparel, tumblers, accessories and more.

The product was stolen from stores such as Ross, TJ Maxx, Macy’s, Target, CVS, Walgreens, and Kroger. Authorities believed that the stolen products were worth more than $350,000.

Officers also discovered illicit slot machines at the establishment.

Police stated the number of products was so large that they had to borrow a U-Haul truck to retrieve the merchandise. Escobar was detained on the scene.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said that she was accused on March 27 with eight felony counts of receiving stolen items valued at more than $950 and one misdemeanor offence of conducting gaming.

She also faces accusations that the crimes were planned, sophisticated, and professional.

“This case is an important step towards cleaning up MacArthur Park, a community that has long struggled with crime and safety concerns,” L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated. “My administration prioritises combating organised retail theft in collaboration with the Los Angeles Police Department and other law enforcement agencies. My office will rigorously prosecute this case, sending a clear message to thieves that retail theft will not be allowed under my watch.

An arraignment hearing is scheduled for May 22. If convicted as charged, Escobar could face eight years and six months in jail. She is still free of custody and must appear in court on the next scheduled day.

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