Modesto Company Loses $1.2 Million in Cargo Theft, Merchandise to Be Returned

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department recovers stolen goods from Ontario warehouse

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A Modesto-based company, First Tactical, had $1.2 million worth of clothing stolen in a cargo theft incident that was part of a larger investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The stolen merchandise, along with $250,000 worth of Mattel/Fisher Price toys and $100,000 in Amazon freight, was recovered from a warehouse in Ontario, California. No arrests have been made yet, but the sheriff's department is working to return the $1.5 million in stolen goods to their rightful owners.

Why it matters

Cargo theft is a growing problem in Southern California, with organized groups using sophisticated techniques to steal transported goods. This incident highlights the scale and impact of these crimes, which can significantly disrupt businesses and supply chains. The recovery of the stolen merchandise is a positive outcome, but the investigation into how it ended up in the Ontario warehouse is ongoing.

The details

On February 18, detectives with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department conducted a search of a warehouse in Ontario, California as part of a 'cargo theft' investigation. The search resulted in the recovery of 22 pallets of clothing owned by First Tactical, a Modesto-based company that sells clothing and tactical gear for first responders. Additionally, 21 pallets of Mattel/Fisher Price toys valued at $250,000 and 9 pallets of Amazon freight valued at $100,000 were also recovered. The sheriff's department is still investigating how the Modesto company's merchandise ended up in the Ontario warehouse, and no arrests have been made so far.

  • The search and recovery operation took place on February 18, 2026.
  • The investigation into the cargo theft is ongoing as of February 26, 2026.

The players

First Tactical

A Modesto-based company that sells clothing and tactical gear for first responders.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency that conducted the search and recovery operation in the Ontario warehouse.

Detective Jason Smith

A detective with the Major Crimes Bureau of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, who is leading the investigation.

Juan Alanis

A California State Assemblyman who introduced Assembly Bill 1972 to provide resources and equipment to jurisdictions dealing with cargo theft.

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California who signed Assemblyman Alanis' bill into law in August 2024.

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What they’re saying

“We are still investigating and working leads to see if it leads us to other property.”

— Detective Jason Smith, of the Major Crimes Bureau (modbee.com)

“Cargo theft is essentially theft of transported goods, but it's increasingly done by organized groups using sophisticated techniques. And it's rampant in Southern California.”

— Juan Alanis, California State Assemblyman (modbee.com)

What’s next

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is continuing its investigation to determine how the stolen merchandise ended up in the Ontario warehouse and to identify any suspects involved in the cargo theft.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing problem of cargo theft in Southern California, which is being addressed through legislative efforts like Assembly Bill 1972. The recovery of the stolen goods is a positive outcome, but the ongoing investigation aims to hold the perpetrators accountable and disrupt the organized criminal networks behind these sophisticated theft operations.