SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — Authorities have arrested four individuals and recovered more than 200 bottles of stolen wine and liquor in a months-long investigation into retail theft and fencing, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office (SCCSO) announced on Wednesday. Deputies reported that nearly $50,000 worth of suspected stolen goods were uncovered during the operation.
The investigation, led by the Sheriff’s Retail Theft Task Force, began last October with a “blitz” operation that targeted a suspected thief involved in the illegal sale of alcohol. According to deputies, the key suspect had been purchasing stolen wine daily from a group of shoplifters, or “boosters,” and reselling it from the trunk of his car.
Search warrants executed on Wednesday at two homes revealed a large cache of stolen items. In a San Jose apartment and vehicles associated with the operation, deputies discovered over 150 bottles of stolen wine and alcohol, along with suspected stolen seafood, security sensors, and $67,000 in cash. An additional 70 bottles were recovered from a residence in Morgan Hill.
The four individuals arrested included the suspected “fence,” three boosters, and a buyer of the stolen wine.
In a social media post, the Sheriff’s Office warned potential criminals, stating, “Don’t steal in County of Santa Clara, California! We’re watching.”
The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
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