Two women have been charged in connection with a fencing operation that allegedly sold goods stolen from San Francisco Bay Area retail stores, prosecutors said Friday.
Police recovered over $16,000 worth of stolen merchandise they say was being sold at illegal street vending booths in the Mission District, the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office said.
Veronica Lumbreras-Villanueva, 40, of Daly City and Deysi Ramirez, 59, of San Francisco, pleaded not guilty at court on Thursday. They’re charged with receiving stolen property and conspiracy, prosecutors said.
According to police, retail loss prevention officers identified two street vending booths displaying new clothing and merchandise bearing retail store tags and anti-theft devices.
READ MORE: San Francisco Filmmaker Blasts Cops After Tracking $24K of Stolen Gear to Alleged Fencing Operation
The women face over three years in prison if convicted on both counts. Their next court date is Nov. 9.
“Fencing stolen goods incentivizes organized retail theft, commercial burglaries and other dangerous criminal conduct that is deeply impacting our residents and businesses,” San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said.