In November 2023, the Bakersfield Police Department carried out a targeted shoplifting operation, resulting in the arrest of an individual linked to an organized retail crime (ORC) group at an ALTO-supported retail location in Southern California. This operation set the stage for ALTO’s strategic interventions that ensured proper accountability for the offender, turning a high-risk situation into a victory for retail safety.

Case overview

On November 3, 2023, Bakersfield Police arrested a suspect for theft at a store supported by ALTO. A few days later, ALTO’s legal team discovered that the suspect had failed to appear for his arraignment, where he was charged with felony conspiracy and misdemeanor shoplifting. As a result, a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. ALTO stressed the importance of timely notifications for all future filings and hearings, reaching out to the Kern County District Attorney’s Office (KCDAO) to ensure prompt updates on the case.

During the investigation, the ALTO team maintained consistent communication with the KCDAO to ensure the offender was appropriately dealt with, along with others involved in the ORC ring monitored by the DA. They also advocated for timely hearing notifications. Later in the summer, ALTO’s legal team in Southern California monitored and documented the offender’s case status, which resulted in his arrest and subsequent release pending a hearing.

Between August 14, 2024, and October 11, 2024, the offender pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 44 days (time served) along with two years of formal probation. Additionally, the ALTO legal team obtained a stay-away order to safeguard the retailer’s employees and store locations.

Impact and takeaways

ALTO plays a critical role in ensuring proper accountability in a complex legal process. By actively engaging with key stakeholders and maintaining diligent oversight, our in-house teams demonstrate commitment to advocating for effective legal outcomes, as exemplified in this case.

• Monitoring and Advocacy: ALTO proactively reached out to the KCDAO to ensure they were informed about critical case developments.
• Filing Requests and Case Monitoring: ALTO consistently followed up on the status of all offenders, inquiring about their case progress and whether they were being properly charged.
• Victim Protection: ALTO in partnership with the retail store advocated for a stay-away order to protect the retailer’s locations, ensuring a level of accountability in the case.
• Ensuring Court Transparency: Thanks to the collaborative partnership with the DA’s office and Bakersfield PD, ALTO  managed to ensure that sentencing and custodial decisions were properly followed up on, making sure that delays in the process did not hinder the case’s progress.

The ALTO Alliance’s partnership and persistent engagement with the district attorney were pivotal in effectively pursuing justice in this legal case. By actively collaborating with the KCDAO and facilitating necessary follow-ups, they played a pivotal role in addressing key sentencing details that would safeguard the store and its surrounding community.

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