News Releases

Blanca Escobar allegedly received over $350,000 in stolen merchandise from Target, Macy’s, TJ Maxx, CVS and other retailers

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced today that Blanca Escobar has been charged with receiving over $350,000 in stolen merchandise from retailers including Target, Macy’s, TJ Maxx, CVS, and Walgreens at her business near MacArthur Park.

“This case is an important step toward cleaning up MacArthur Park, a community that has long struggled with crime and safety concerns,” District Attorney Hochman said. “Combating organized retail theft in close partnership with LAPD and other law enforcement is a priority for my administration. My office will vigorously prosecute this case and send an unmistakable message to criminals: Retail theft will not be tolerated under my watch.”

Blanca Elsa Escobar (DOB 9/18/59) of Los Angeles is charged in case 25CJCF01607 with eight felony counts of receiving stolen property over $950 in value and one misdemeanor count of conducting gaming. It is further alleged that the offenses indicate planning, sophistication and professionalism.

The defendant appeared in court today and arraignment was set for May 22 in Dept. 30 of the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center. Escobar remains out of custody and was ordered to return for the next court date. 

On March 5, LAPD officers executed a search warrant at Escobar’s business on 6th Street across from MacArthur Park in the Westlake neighborhood of Los Angeles. Officers recovered an estimated $360,000 in stolen merchandise, primarily cosmetics, clothes, and toiletries, from retailers including CVS, Target, Walgreens, Kroger, Ross, TJ Maxx and Macy’s. Officers also discovered illegal slot machines.

If convicted as charged, Escobar faces eight years and six months in prison.

The case is being prosecuted by LADA’s Central Trials Division andwas investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department.

Photos of the seized merchandise provided by the Los Angeles Police Department Rampart Division.

The charges filed in this case are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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