San Diego, County – Three individuals have been arrested in connection with a string of organized retail thefts across Southern California, authorities announced this week. The suspects—21-year-old Jaylaine Stewart of Long Beach, 25-year-old Derryon Burks, and 31-year-old Turll Patrick Watson, both of Los Angeles—were taken into custody after a coordinated police effort led by the Irvine Police Department.
The group’s crime spree came to light following a theft at a Grocery Outlet store on March 31. According to police, Stewart allegedly distracted an employee while Burks took medication from the shelves. Watson waited in a getaway vehicle outside the store. When the employee attempted to intervene, Burks allegedly shoved the worker before fleeing the scene. Police responded and began investigating the incident immediately.
Later that same day, the suspects were reportedly spotted in Oceanside following another alleged theft. Authorities located and apprehended all three individuals, discovering a significant cache of stolen goods in their vehicle. The items recovered included health and beauty products, medications, and other merchandise, suggesting a pattern of targeted retail theft.
Investigators believe the trio carried out at least five thefts across Orange and San Diego counties on the same day. As the investigation deepened, authorities concluded the group was involved in an organized retail theft operation, potentially part of a broader criminal enterprise.
All three suspects were booked into the Orange County Jail and face multiple charges including robbery, criminal conspiracy, and organized retail theft. If convicted, they could face serious legal consequences. Organized retail theft involving multiple actors and a combined value of stolen goods exceeding $950 can be charged as a felony, punishable by up to three years in state prison. Robbery charges—especially when involving force, as in this case—carry additional penalties. Second-degree robbery, which applies to most non-residential thefts involving physical force, is punishable by two to five years in state prison.
Under California law, criminal conspiracy can also carry penalties equivalent to the underlying felony. With charges potentially stacking, the suspects could face several years behind bars, along with heavy fines and possible probation.
Authorities continue to investigate whether the trio is connected to other thefts in the region. The case underscores ongoing concerns about organized retail crime, which has seen a rise in recent years across California.
