SGV Delivery Driver Accused Of Stealing Packages

ALHAMBRA, CA -- A delivery driver from East Los Angeles was free on bail Wednesday after being arrested for allegedly stealing more than 70 packages that were to be delivered in Alhambra from companies including Best Buy, Sephora, UGG and Nordstrom's, police said.

Packages began disappearing about two years ago, but detectives at the time considered these random acts of petty theft.

After continuing the investigation through January, they found the thefts were all tied to 37-year-old Eden Sergio Ortega, a driver who delivered along a route in Alhambra.

Detectives served a search warrant at the suspect's home late Tuesday night, finding more than 70 items believed to be stolen from Ortega's delivery route. The items included iPhones, laptops, digital tablets, high-end women's designer shoes and accessories, children's toys and three new, large-screen televisions.

The pilfered packages have a retail value of more than $30,000, police said.

Ortega's bail was set at $20,000, according to sheriff's inmate records.

Ortega was released on bond but is expected to return to court on March 22, according to Alhambra police Sgt. Jerry Johnson.

Victims of package thefts should report their losses to delivery companies and retailers before contacting police, Johnson said.

Johnson also advised asking neighbors to take delivery of parcels or arranging for workplace delivery.

-- City News Service, photo courtesy of the Alhambra Police Department