Organized Retail Theft Suspects Arrested
April 12, 2024 6:46 PM
Santa Monica, CA – On March 23, 2024, a little before 4 AM, six suspects armed with sledgehammers broke through the front window of the Ulta Beauty store located at 1234 Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica. The suspects, all wearing hoodies and face masks, used the sledgehammers to break open glass display cases containing high end fragrances, stealing over $23,000 in merchandise. The suspects left the location in two dark-colored vehicles. Following an exhaustive and thorough investigation, the suspects were tracked to a location in South Los Angeles and ultimately identified.
On April 11, 2024, SMPD detectives working in collaboration with the LAPD Organized Retail Crime Task Force served a search warrant in the 1200 block of 90th Place in Los Angeles. The warrant was served by a team comprised of SMPD SWAT, UAS, Patrol, Criminal Investigations Division personnel, and LAPD’s ORCTF.
The team recovered two firearms and merchandise from the Ulta burglary. In addition, three individuals associated with the burglary were arrested and transported to the Santa Monica jail for booking. Based on evidence recovered during the warrant, detectives believe the individuals who burglarized the Santa Monica Ulta store are part of a larger organized retail theft crime ring that may have gang connections.
In custody for burglary (459 PC):
MOUTON, Caleed Jamari (DOB: 03-26-00) – Prior arrests for gun possession and domestic violence
WALKER, Eelayia Christine (DOB: 11-06-02) – No prior arrests (no booking photo available)
RAY, Mekhai Taveon (DOB: 11-24-01) – Prior arrests for robbery
The arrestees were released from custody with citations per the LA County bail schedule. The excellent outcome of this investigation is due in great part to our strong partnership with LAPD and the Task Force. Detectives are confident the other three individuals responsible for the Ulta burglary will be arrested soon.
Media Contact
Erika Aklufi
Lieutenant
Erika.Aklufi@santamonica.gov