Sheriff’s investigators arrested a Riverside County family in connection with a string of retail thefts and for allegedly stealing merchandise worth more than $7,000.
The investigation began April 24, when Riverside County deputies were called to an undisclosed business located in the 32100 block of Temecula Parkway in Temecula, authorities said in a news release. There, a group of suspects allegedly conspired to steal more than $1,000 worth of merchandise.
Investigators learned the group was linked to similar thefts at other businesses, the sheriff’s department said. The suspects were identified by robbery investigators as Thomas Balandran, 50; Sherri Álvarez, 48 years old; Brianna Balandran, 19; and a 17-year-old relative whose name has not been released, authorities said Friday.
The four are suspects in at least 10 other thefts in San Bernardino, Los Angeles and Riverside counties, totaling more than $7,000 in stolen property, authorities said, with possibly other thefts that did not occur. not been identified.
Sheriff’s investigators served a search warrant at a home in the 6800 block of Valley Way in Jurupa Valley on May 13, where they said they found a large amount of stolen merchandise with retail tags still attached to goods. Investigators said they also found “items of evidentiary value” in the home, including “narcotics and paraphernalia,” but the Sheriff’s Department did not provide details on what items were recovered during the search.
The three adult suspects were arrested and charged with organized retail theft, burglary, conspiracy and grand theft, according to the sheriff’s department; the 17-year-old was released to a family member and possible charges are pending in juvenile court. Thomas Balandran was on probation for robbery, and sheriff’s investigators requested additional charges be added, including a probation violation and drug offenses.
During their investigation, sheriff’s deputies were led to two other Moreno Valley homes believed to be involved in the buying and selling of stolen property. While executing a second search warrant Tuesday in Moreno Valley, officers found more than $3,000 in additional merchandise that they claim was stolen, according to the sheriff’s department.
So far, authorities say, the investigation has led them to a total of three homes suspected of being involved in the buying and selling of stolen goods.
The investigation is ongoing, according to authorities, who believe that there are other thefts linked to this case.
Anyone with information about the investigation can call Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputy Christina Weber at (951) 696-3133.
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