Three people arrested, tied to nearly $20,000 in retail thefts

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A months-long organized theft investigation led authorities to arrest three people for allegedly stealing nearly $20,000 from local retailers.

The Bakersfield Police Department’s Organized Retail Theft Unit arrested 40-year-old Miguel Nava, 23-year-old Vanessa BarreraBucio and 26-year-old Maylysa McMannon on February 18, on multiple charges, including robbery, grand theft, organized retail theft and shoplifting.

All three were booked into Kern County jail.

Police said an investigation of the three began in August 2025 as multiple retailers were targeted, including Big 5, Home Depot, Tractor Supply, and Lowe’s.

In all, the three people were allegedly involved in at least 12 separate theft incidents, resulting in an aggregated loss of $19,875.03 to the local retailers, according to police.

All three were arrested in the 6500 block of Colony Street last week, immediately after committing a theft at Lowe’s.

Police said, “Since its inception in 2023, BPD’s ORT unit has partnered with local retail locations to combat organized retail theft, recover stolen property and arrest those responsible in the Bakersfield community.”

Business owners interested in learning more about theft prevention and partnering with BPD’s ORT unit can contact the Community Relations Unit at 661-326-3053.