The Glendale Police Dept. arrested two suspects involved in an organized retail theft ring.

In February 2019, GPD Downtown Policing Unit conducted an investigation relating to a shoplifting case at The Americana at Brand. As a result of the extensive investigation, officers identified Carlos Rivera of Los Angeles and Monica Paredes of Van Nuys as suspects responsible for running a major fencing operation.

On March 13 at 7:10 a.m., Glendale officers served a search warrant at the apartment of Monica Paredes in the 15000 block of Sherman Way in the City of Van Nuys. A search of the apartment revealed over $100,000 worth of stolen merchandise from the following stores: Lululemon, Victoria Secret, Zumiez, Abercrombie and Fitch, Ralph Lauren-Polo, Hollister, The Disney Store, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Ugg, Nike, Adidas, Champion and Sunglass Hut.

Officers recovered over 400 sunglasses in display cases and individual cases valued at approximately $37,000. Representatives from the Sunglass Hut identified $7,000 worth of merchandise that was traced to thefts in Utah, Ohio and California. In addition, officers recovered high-end designer handbags, 100 Jujube Tokidoki backpacks and 64 Mitchell and Ness Sports Jerseys valued at $22,620. There are additional recovered items from stores that have still not been identified.

Officers also located $40,000 in cash hidden in a bedroom behind a child’s crib, totaling $51,480 recovered during the search warrant.

Glendale officers collaborated with loss prevention management from many retailers during the investigation. Representatives from Victoria Secret, Lululemon, Abercrombie and Fitch, Gap and the Sunglass Hut were present during the search warrant to assist with identifying merchandise.

Parades and Rivera were taken into custody at the time of the search warrant and booked for Receiving Stolen Property (496(a) PC – Felony).

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to call the Glendale Police Dept. at (818) 548-4911.

The case remains under investigation by the Glendale Police Dept.