SAN FRANCISCO—On Monday, November 13, the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office announced that a suspect was charged for her role in a series of thefts at Bath and Body Works establishments in San Francisco. It was announced that Carmelita Barela, 30, of San Francisco was charged in connection to a series of commercial burglaries at Bath and Body Works locations in San Francisco.
She was arraigned on November 9, and pled not guilty to one count of felony organized retail theft (PC 490.4(a)(1)), six counts of felony grand theft (PC 487(a)), and nine counts of misdemeanor shoplifting (PC 459.5).
“Organized retail theft is a source of deep concern for the residents and businesses of our City,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “This arrest and prosecution reflects our on-going commitment to hold repeat offenders accountable for their actions.”
Barela is alleged to have participated in a series of 20 retail theft incidents between March 30 and October 29. During this time, it is alleged that she and others stole approximately $15,079.90 worth of goods from a Bath & Body Works location in San Francisco’s Westfield Mall. The San Francisco Police Department took Barela into custody without incident on November 6.
This prosecution is part of the District Attorney’s Office’s Organized Retail Theft Vertical Prosecution Grant Program, which is funded by a $2 million grant from the California Board of State and Community Corrections.
The defendant was expected in court on Monday, November 13, to set the date for the preliminary hearing in this matter. The District Attorney’s Office moved to detain her pending trial because of the public safety risk. The court granted the People’s motion to detain without prejudice and set no bail for Barela. The court will hear further arguments on the motion to detain at the time of the preliminary hearing in this case. If convicted of all charges she faces up to three years in state prison.
The SFPD is still investigating the case. Anyone with details is asked to contact the SFPD Tip Line at 1-415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD.
