Authorities bust $400K T.J. Maxx theft ring in Bay Area; 16 suspects tied to case

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Published  August 19, 2025 4:18pm PDT
KTVU FOX 2
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Other Bay Area police departments took charge in state retail theft grant application

When the opportunity for a crime-fighting grant became available through California's Board of State and Community Corrections, many law enforcement agencies in the Bay Area put in an application; Oakland did not.

The Brief

    • Authorities uncovered a massive theft ring involving T.J. Maxx stores in the Bay Area and recovered nearly $400,000 in stolen merchandise.
    • Investigators said 16 suspects are tied to the scheme.
    • The stolen goods were allegedly sold at flea markets in San Jose.

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Authorities broke up a massive theft ring targeting Bay Area T.J. Maxx stores, recovering $380,000 in stolen merchandise.

Crew linked to 80 thefts

What we know:

According to the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, 16 suspects were involved in more than 80 thefts, sometimes striking stores several times a day.

The stolen merchandise was resold at flea markets in San Jose.

The probe began in May, after T.J. Maxx alerted authorities of an organized crew hitting multiple locations.

15 stolen cars recovered in East Oakland auto-theft raid

A big auto-theft raid in East Oakland early Thursday led to two arrests and the seizure of 15 stolen cars.

The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office led the investigation, using surveillance and other techniques to track the suspects.

Nearly $400,000 merch recovered at stash houses

Dig deeper:

Authorities identified 16 people connected to the scheme and uncovered five stash locations for stolen goods.

At a San Jose home on the 2000 block of Dobern Avenue, investigators recovered more than $225,000 in merchandise and illegal drugs. Another home on Giannotta Way held more than $100,000 in goods. In total, investigators seized $380,000 in stolen property from several South Bay locations.

The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office released photos of the suspects tied to a T.J. Maxx theft ring in the Bay Area.
Several suspects tied to a massive T.J. Maxx theft ring in the Bay Area remain outstanding.
A photograph showing stolen merchandise recovered during the bust of a T.J. Maxx theft ring in the Bay Area.
A photograph showing stolen merchandise recovered during the bust of a T.J. Maxx theft ring in the Bay Area.
A photograph showing stolen merchandise recovered during the bust of a T.J. Maxx theft ring in the Bay Area.
A photograph showing stolen merchandise recovered during the bust of a T.J. Maxx theft ring in the Bay Area.
A photograph showing stolen merchandise recovered during the bust of a T.J. Maxx theft ring in the Bay Area.
A photograph showing stolen merchandise recovered during the bust of a T.J. Maxx theft ring in the Bay Area.
A photograph showing stolen merchandise recovered during the bust of a T.J. Maxx theft ring in the Bay Area.
A photograph showing stolen merchandise recovered during the bust of a T.J. Maxx theft ring in the Bay Area.
A photograph showing stolen merchandise recovered during the bust of a T.J. Maxx theft ring in the Bay Area.
A photograph showing stolen merchandise recovered during the bust of a T.J. Maxx theft ring in the Bay Area.

Eight suspects were arrested: Christian Hernandez Guzman, 20; Jazmine Sanchez Valencia, 23; Esmeralda Hernandez Guzman, 44; Maria Sanchez, 66; Jose Guzman, 32; Derek Montes Rios, 19; Stephanie Juarez Polvos, 29; and Rigoberto Hernandez Guzman, 36.

Authorities said they are still searching for several suspects, including Juan Molas, 41; Kevin Calderon, 19; Jacobo Giron, 26; and five others who have not yet been identified.

The Source: Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office

San JoseCrime and Public Safety