On Thursday, July 3, 2025, the Hemet Police Department’s Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Team, in collaboration with the Hemet Police Special Operations Unit (SOU), served a search warrant at a residence in the 41800 block of Lomas Street, located in the unincorporated area of east Hemet.
This investigation began through the strong partnership between the Hemet Police Department and a local business loss prevention officer. The officer identified suspected stolen merchandise being sold on a social media sales platform. Detectives initiated an investigation, which quickly revealed the operation was consistent with an organized retail theft ring.
The individuals were advertising a large quantity of unopened, brand-new tools displayed in a retail-style setup with shelving and items hung on walls. These products were being offered at significantly reduced prices, further raising suspicion.
Through additional investigative efforts, detectives confirmed that the items were indeed stolen and that the residents of the home were actively purchasing stolen goods from various individuals to resell for profit.
A search warrant was obtained and executed, resulting in the recovery of approximately $100,000 in stolen merchandise and approximately $8,000 in cash. Four adults were arrested at the residence, Edgar Carvajal (50), Mary Carvajal (73), Jorge Carvajal (78) and Kimberly Resaneo (54).
Each was booked in at Riverside County Jail on felony charges of Grand Theft, Possession of Stolen Property, Conspiracy, and Organized Retail Theft.
This operation sends a strong message that organized retail theft will not be tolerated in our community. The recovered merchandise will be returned to the affected businesses, helping to reduce their financial losses.
The Hemet Police Department remains committed to protecting businesses and consumers from the harmful impacts of retail crime. The ORT Team, which is funded through a State of California grant provided by the Board of State and Community Corrections, will continue to conduct similar operations in the coming years to aggressively deter and prevent organized retail theft.
Members of the public are encouraged to report organized retail theft activity to the Hemet Police Department by calling (951) 765-2400 or by providing anonymous information through the Hemet Police Department’s smartphone application.
