More than $5 Million in Property Recovered
“Great work by local and state investigators! Three search warrants, five arrests and the recovery of $5 million in property.”
CSLEA President Alan Barcelona
LOS ANGELES – On February 18, 2026, the Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Commercial Crimes Division Cargo Theft Task Force, in partnership with the Los Angeles Port Police, California Department of Justice Tax Recovery in the Underground Economy Program (TRUE) and the California Department of Motor Vehicles Investigations Division, executed three search warrants related to an ongoing multi-agency cargo theft investigation involving stolen container chassis. The search warrants were served at locations in Corona, Compton, and Wilmington. Investigators arrested five individuals:
• Jose Del Toro Sr., 43, of Corona
• Maria Ramos, 42, of Corona
• Malissa Del Toro, 25, of Corona
• Jose Del Toro Jr., 23, of Corona
• Yairet Jimenez, 23, of Corona
During the service of the warrants, investigators impounded 84 stolen container chassis, 11 tractors, 25 vehicles, six all-terrain vehicles, and two heavy-duty forklifts believed to be associated with fraudulent vehicle identification numbers. Additionally, investigators recovered three handguns, multiple digital devices, and U.S. currency totaling $301,604. The five suspects were booked a for 487(a) PC – Grand Theft.
Through this collaborative enforcement effort, the total estimated value of recovered property exceeds $5 million. This investigation is ongoing and further arrests are expected. This case underscores the importance of interagency collaboration in combating large-scale cargo theft and preserving the integrity of commercial supply chains. The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests are expected.
