2 Women Suspected In Beaumont, Coachella Valley Organized Retail Thefts

COACHELLA VALLEY, CA — Two women have been arrested on suspicion of burglary and organized retail theft, authorities announced this weekend.

The alleged theft occurred at a business in the 78000 block of Highway 111 in La Quinta on June 17, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department announced. Members of the Thermal sheriff's station La Quinta Business District Team assumed the investigation.

The suspects were identified as 33-year-old Geradin Gonzalez Morales of Van Nuys and 32-year-old Johana Catalina Vargas Rodriguez of North Hollywood. They are also suspected of stealing from businesses in Indio, Palm Springs, La Quinta, Palm Desert and Beaumont, resulting in a total loss of about $16,000 in merchandise, according to the sheriff's department.

On Thursday, deputies were advised that the suspects had returned to the La Quinta business, and both women were arrested without incident.

The business reported that the suspects had allegedly stolen more than $70,000 in merchandise from stores throughout Southern California.

Morales and Rodriguez were booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional on suspicion of burglary and organized theft. Both were expected to appear in court Tuesday at the Indio Larson Justice Center.

Anyone with additional information about the case was encouraged to contact Corporal Molina or deputy Ebersole at 760-863-8990.