Arrests made in theft rings at Friedman’s

A July 31 court date has been set for four employees of Friedman’s Home Improvement, accused with stealing more than $100,000 of merchandise from the Sonoma store and the distribution center in Petaluma.
The bulk of the evidence against them and two other suspects was developed by a private investigator hired by the company in April. Management was alarmed by data from an inventory control system that documented the raft of thefts.
“It’s been going on at least two years,” according to Michael Morarity of the Sheriff’s Property Crimes Unit. “One suspect worked there for four years, so it’s possible it’s been as long as that.”
The investigation actually uncovered two sets of criminals. A two-man operation stole items from the distribution shuttle that ran between Petaluma and Sonoma, Morarity said.
The other group was centered at the Sonoma store, where a yard worker would load stolen items into trucks driven by various acquaintances. Cashiers were bribed to keep quiet about the scam.
Arrested and being tried together on charges of conspiracy and grand theft are Matritza Barajas Barrera, 21, of El Verano; Adrienne Garrison, 26, of Sonoma; Kisha Waiolama, 31, of Boyes Hot Springs; and Carlos Gonzalez, 31, of Agua Caliente.
Vincente Valencia, 21, of Sonoma, apparently has entered a plea bargain with the district attorney’s office. A sixth suspect, Michael A. Fernandez, 44, of Sonoma, has not been apprehended. Officials believe he has fled the state.