A 19-year-old man and 20-year-old woman suspected of organized retail theft crimes as far back as late March were taken into custody, police announced Monday.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Organized Retail Crimes Taskforce personnel arrested Haleni Sefu Sitani and Aniyah Shaniece Mitchell after executing search warrants at both of their residences last Tuesday. During those searches, investigators recovered one firearm, one loaded high-capacity magazine and various items stolen from the retail businesses, police said.
According to police, the duo are suspected of involvement in a March 22 burglary in the 3400 block of East Fourth Street, where the business suffered a loss of more than $1,500. Police said the two suspects continued engaging in organized retail thefts at several other stores, causing a total loss of approximately $10,700 in stolen merchandise.
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Investigators were still searching for a third suspect, described only as a 5-foot-6-inch-tall man weighing 170 pounds. He was last seen wearing a two-toned zipper Nike sweatshirt and black sweatpants.
The vehicle involved in the alleged crime was also identified as a black Nissan Sentra.
Sitani was booked on suspicion of robbery, with a bail set at $50,0000.
Mitchell was booked on suspicion of grand theft. She was released on her own recognizance, according to jail records.
Anyone with information regarding the organized retail thefts was urged to email ORC@lapd.online. Calls during non-business hours or on weekends should be directed to 877-527-3247. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.
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