4 arrested in connection to organized retail crime theft in Bakersfield

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Bakersfield police arrested four men in connection to a series of organized retail thefts across the Bakersfield on September 11.

According to the BPD, on Wednesday, the Organized Retail Theft Unit identified Larry Kellogg, 30, as a suspect involved in multiple thefts.

Officials tracked Kellogg and three other men to an Old Navy Store in the 5200 block of
Gosford Road, where the group were planning another theft.

Officials then followed the suspects to Cigarette House, located in the 5400 Block of Olive Drive, where they sold the stolen goods. The group tried to flee, but were later captured by investigators.

On Sept. 12, 2024, Bakersfield police, along with the Violent Criminal Apprehension Team, served a search warrant at the Cigarette House. Police recovered various stolen goods, including:

• 40 items were returned to Target, valued at $1,192
• 23 items were returned to Dicks Sporting Goods, valued at $876
• 59 items were returned to Old Navy, valued at $2,768
• 4 items were returned to Vons, valued at $200

Police also arrested: Johnathan Johnson, 39; Jorge Torres, 24; and John Lawson, 23. All four men were charged with grand theft, organized retail theft, and conspiracy, and booked into the Kern County Jail.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Bakersfield Police Department at 661-327-7111.

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