LAPD: 5 Arrested, Over $5 Million In Stolen Property Recovered In Cargo Theft Investigation

The Los Angeles Police Department this week announced five arrests and the recovery of more than $5 million in stolen property in an ongoing cargo theft investigation.

The LAPD’s Commercial Crimes Division Cargo Theft Task Force executed three search warrants in Corona, Compton, and Wilmington Wednesday in coordination with Los Angeles Port Police, California Department of Justice Tax Recovery in the Underground Economy Program (TRUE) and the California Department of Motor Vehicles Investigations Division in connection with a multiagency investigation into stolen cargo container chassis.

During the searches, investigators impounded 84 stolen container chassis, 11 tractors, 25 vehicles, six all-terrain vehicles, and two heavy-duty forklifts “believed to be associated with fraudulent vehicle identification numbers,” police said. Investigators also seized three handguns, multiple digital devices, and $301,604 in cash.

The total value of recovered stolen property is estimated to exceed $5 million, police said.

Five people were arrested and booked into jail for grand theft: 43-year-old Jose Del Toro Sr.; 42-year-old Maria Ramos; 25-year-old Malissa Del Toro; 23-year-old Jose Del Toro Jr.; and 23-year-old Yairet Jimenez.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing and additional arrests are expected. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Commercial Crimes Division at 213-486-8766 between 6:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. weekdays or at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247) during non-business hours. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or send tips by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S) or online at LAPDOnline.org.