A yearlong investigation into organized cargo thefts targeting freight trains across San Bernardino County has culminated in the arrest of nine suspects and the recovery of hundreds of thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise, law enforcement officials said.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department announced that deputies executed a search warrant on Oct. 16 at a residence located in the 1200 block of East 35th Street in San Bernardino. During the operation, investigators took nine individuals into custody in connection with an ongoing probe into organized railroad burglaries that authorities allege have resulted in millions of dollars in stolen property from Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway trains.
Authorities stated that the suspects have alleged ties to the Sinaloa cartel, though they did not release additional details regarding those connections. All nine suspects are from Sinaloa, Mexico. They have been identified by the sheriff’s office as Jose Navarrete, 24; Brian Iran Fontes-Carrillo, 27; Mauro Ruiz-Medina, 30; Pastor Pena-Lerma, 43; Alfredo Covarrubias-Navarrete, 24; Jose Alfredo Castillo-Baca, 24; Jose Ismael Palafox-Bernal, 18; Cesar Daniel Navarrete-Martinez, 31; and Cristian Erubiel Navarrete-Zapien, 23.
During the search of the property, members of the investigative task force recovered more than $333,000 worth of stolen retail merchandise. The recovered goods spanned a wide variety of consumer and industrial products, including JBL speakers, Logitech computer hardware, Victoria’s Secret apparel, Nike and New Balance footwear, and Husky tools.
Investigators also seized several non-merchandise items during the raid, including four semiautomatic handguns, a drone reportedly used for surveillance, a substantial quantity of cash, and specialized tools allegedly employed to breach train cargo containers. Authorities also confiscated fentanyl and four vehicles that investigators believe were utilized to facilitate the crimes.
The nine suspects were booked into custody on suspicion of conspiracy to commit theft of railroad property and possession of a controlled substance while armed.
