A Southern California woman was arrested and charged after police seized over $350,000 worth of stolen merchandise in a massive retail theft bust.
Police were investigating a retail theft case when a search warrant was served at a store on 6th and Alvarado Streets, across from MacArthur Park in L.A.’s Westlake neighborhood, on March 5.
The shop allegedly belonged to Blanca Escobar, 65, of Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Inside the store, police discovered a large stockroom lined with shelves that were filled with stolen merchandise.
Photos of the bust showed a massive collection of beauty and healthcare products, skincare items, sneakers, clothing, tumblers, accessories and more.
The merchandise had been stolen from retailers including Ross, TJ Maxx, Macy’s, Target, CVS, Walgreens and Kroger. Authorities said the estimated retail value of the stolen goods was over $350,000.
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Police discovered around $300,000 worth of stolen merchandise in a massive retail theft bust at a store in L.A.’s Westlake neighborhood on March 5, 2025. (Los Angeles Police Department) -
Police discovered around $300,000 worth of stolen merchandise in a massive retail theft bust at a store in L.A.’s Westlake neighborhood on March 5, 2025. (Los Angeles Police Department) -
Police discovered around $300,000 worth of stolen merchandise in a massive retail theft bust at a store in L.A.’s Westlake neighborhood on March 5, 2025. (Los Angeles Police Department)
Officers also found illegal slot machines at the business.
Police said the number of items was so overwhelming that they needed to rent a U-Haul truck to remove the merchandise. Escobar was arrested at the scene.
On March 27, she was charged with eight felony counts of receiving stolen property over $950 in value and one misdemeanor count of conducting gaming, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced.
She also faces allegations that the crimes indicated planning, sophistication and professionalism.
“This case is an important step toward cleaning up MacArthur Park, a community that has long struggled with crime and safety concerns,” said L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman. “Combating organized retail theft in close partnership with LAPD and other law enforcement is a priority for my administration. My office will vigorously prosecute this case and send an unmistakable message to criminals: Retail theft will not be tolerated under my watch.”
An arraignment hearing is set for May 22. If convicted as charged, Escobar faces eight years and six months in prison. She remains out of custody and was ordered to return for the next court date.