A Southern California man was arrested after authorities discovered thousands of dollars worth of stolen merchandise at his home.
The suspect was identified as Juan Pablo Leal, 40, from Adelanto, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
On July 30, employees at a Target store located on Bear Valley Road in Apple Valley contacted authorities to report Leal as a suspected thief wanted for stealing from numerous Target locations.
When deputies arrived at the scene, Leal had already left the store. Investigators later discovered Leal had stolen from the Apple Valley Target store just five days earlier.
To steal merchandise, Leal would reportedly place a fake barcode on products that would greatly decrease the item’s price. He would then purchase the items and leave the store without suspicion.
On Aug. 6, a search warrant was served at Leal’s home on Russet Place in Adelanto. Inside the residence, deputies discovered over $15,000 worth of stolen merchandise.
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Over $15,000 worth of stolen toys and merchandise was discovered at the suspect’s Adelanto home on August 6, 2024. (San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department) -
Over $15,000 worth of stolen toys and merchandise was discovered at the suspect’s Adelanto home on August 6, 2024. (San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department)
Photos of the bust show a large number of stolen items including hundreds of toy cars, Hot Wheels playsets and more.
Leal was arrested for possession of stolen property and transported to High Desert Detention Center. He posted bail and was released. He is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
Authorities note that many products sold on reseller sites such as OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark and more may be stolen merchandise.
“These products are often sold at discounted prices and seem appealing,” SBSD said. “Purchasing on these sites can lead to increased costs in stores as companies attempt to recover losses.”
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The thefts remain under investigation. Anyone with additional information can call Deputy Vallejo with the Apple Valley Sheriff’s Station at 760-240-7400 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at 760-956-5001.
Anonymous tips can be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.
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