Riverside Deputies Bust Orange County Theft Operation, 3 Arrested

Key Points

• Three suspects arrested: Briana Marin, 29, of Los Angeles; Janely Masvidal, 45, of Los Angeles; Clementina Peralta, 56, of Buena Park.
• Initial theft reported on 22 January in the 1600 block of North Perris Boulevard, Perris, Riverside County, around 12:37 p.m.
• Masvidal and Marin identified as primary suspects responsible for at least $20,000 worth of retail thefts across Riverside, Orange, and Los Angeles counties.
• Stolen merchandise storage location pinpointed on the 7900 block of Artesia Boulevard, Buena Park, Orange County.
• On 28 January, Masvidal and Marin taken into custody in the Buena Park area.
• Masvidal and Marin charged with grand theft, organised retail theft, burglary, and conspiracy.
• On 29 January, search warrant executed at Orange County property; Peralta arrested on scene for possession of stolen property.
• Seizure included thousands of dollars worth of suspected stolen clothing, beauty products, marijuana vape products, several pounds of processed marijuana, and a large amount of U.S. currency.
• Retail thefts remain under investigation; no further details released.

Buena Park (Cardiff Daily) 30 January 2026 – Three women face serious charges after Riverside County deputies uncovered a major stash of stolen retail goods valued at thousands of dollars in Orange County, spanning multiple counties in a coordinated theft operation. Briana Marin, 29, and Janely Masvidal, 45, both from Los Angeles, were identified as the main perpetrators behind thefts totalling at least $20,000, with Clementina Peralta, 56, from Buena Park, arrested for possessing the contraband. Authorities executed a search warrant, seizing clothing, beauty items, vape products, marijuana, and cash.

Who Were the Suspects Arrested in the Orange County Theft Case?

The suspects were formally identified as Briana Marin, aged 29, residing in Los Angeles; Janely Masvidal, 45, also of Los Angeles; and Clementina Peralta, 56, from Buena Park. Masvidal and Marin emerged as the primary suspects following an initial investigation into a theft reported on 22 January on the 1600 block of North Perris Boulevard in Perris, Riverside County, at approximately 12:37 p.m. Authorities linked the pair to a broader pattern of retail thefts exceeding $20,000 across Riverside, Orange, and Los Angeles counties. On 28 January, deputies located Masvidal and Marin in the Buena Park area, specifically near the 7900 block of Artesia Boulevard, where the stolen merchandise was believed to be stored, leading to their immediate custody. They faced charges of grand theft, organised retail theft, burglary, and conspiracy. The following day, 29 January, during a search warrant service at the Orange County property, Peralta was arrested on the scene specifically for possession of stolen property.

What Triggered the Riverside County Deputies’ Investigation?

The probe began when Riverside County deputies responded to a reported theft on 22 January in the 1600 block of North Perris Boulevard, Perris, around 12:37 p.m. Following this incident, detectives conducted an investigation that identified Masvidal and Marin as the primary suspects. Authorities stated that the pair was responsible for at least $20,000 worth of retail thefts spanning Riverside, Orange, and Los Angeles counties. This initial response set off a chain of events, narrowing down the storage location to the 7900 block of Artesia Boulevard in Buena Park. No additional specifics on the Perris theft itself were disclosed, as the wider retail thefts remain under active investigation.

Where Was the Stolen Merchandise Discovered and Stored?

Detectives pinpointed the storage site on the 7900 block of Artesia Boulevard in Buena Park, Orange County. This location became the focus after linking Masvidal and Marin to the theft ring. On 28 January, the two were located in the area and taken into custody. Subsequently, on 29 January, deputies served a search warrant at the Orange County property, where Peralta was present and arrested. The property housed the bulk of the illicit goods, highlighting Buena Park’s role as the operational hub for storing the proceeds of crimes committed across county lines.

What Charges Did Masvidal and Marin Face Upon Arrest?

Masvidal and Marin were arrested on 28 January in the Buena Park area and charged with grand theft, organised retail theft, burglary, and conspiracy. These charges reflect the organised nature of their activities, which authorities tied to thefts worth at least $20,000. Peralta’s arrest on 29 January was specifically for possession of stolen property, distinguishing her role as the individual found with the goods during the search.

What Items Were Seized During the Search Warrant Execution?

During the search of the Orange County property on 29 January, authorities discovered thousands of dollars worth of suspected stolen clothing, beauty products, marijuana vape products, several pounds of processed marijuana, and a large amount of U.S. currency. These findings underscored the scale of the operation, blending retail theft with potential drug-related elements. The variety of items—ranging from everyday consumer goods to narcotics—suggested a sophisticated fencing setup, though no further details on valuation or origins were released.

When Did Key Events in the Theft Investigation Unfold?

The timeline commenced on 22 January at 12:37 p.m., with deputies responding to the theft in Perris on the 1600 block of North Perris Boulevard. Investigation efforts then led to the identification of Masvidal and Marin, culminating in their arrests on 28 January near the 7900 block of Artesia Boulevard in Buena Park. The very next day, 29 January, the search warrant was served at the Orange County property, resulting in Peralta’s arrest and the major seizure.

Why Is the Investigation Still Ongoing?

No further details were released as the retail thefts remain under investigation. Authorities have not disclosed additional leads, victim identities, or the exact retail sources of the stolen goods, maintaining operational secrecy to prevent interference. This ongoing status implies potential links to wider networks, given the multi-county scope and diverse contraband.

How Did Authorities Link the Suspects to Multi-County Thefts?

Following the 22 January Perris incident, an investigation identified Masvidal and Marin as responsible for at least $20,000 in thefts across Riverside, Orange, and Los Angeles counties. Detectives narrowed the storage to Buena Park’s 7900 block of Artesia Boulevard, enabling the 28 January arrests. The 29 January search then tied Peralta to possession, completing the initial takedown. The operation’s success relied on precise surveillance and inter-agency coordination, typical in organised retail crime cases.

This case highlights a growing concern over organised retail theft rings in Southern California, where groups target multiple stores to amass high-value hauls for resale or personal use. Riverside County deputies’ swift action prevented further losses, but the presence of marijuana products raises questions about intersections with drug trafficking. Retailers in affected counties may enhance security measures in response. As the probe continues, more arrests could follow, shedding light on the full extent of the operation. The arrests serve as a deterrent, yet experts note such crimes persist due to high demand for cheap goods on secondary markets.

Local law enforcement emphasised community vigilance, urging residents to report suspicious activities near storage sites. Orange County’s proximity to major retail hubs like Buena Park amplifies vulnerability, with chains losing millions annually to such schemes. The seized currency suggests profits were already being laundered, complicating recovery efforts for victims.

In broader context, organised retail theft has surged post-pandemic, with California enacting tougher laws like Proposition 36 to combat it. This bust aligns with statewide crackdowns, where multi-county operations often yield drugs alongside merchandise. Deputies’ decision to publicise details aims to reassure shoppers while soliciting tips.