San Francisco Police Department Makes Arrest in Organized Retail Theft Fencing Operation 22-092

The four-month investigation leads to the seizure of nearly $200,000 worth of stolen goods.

In early 2022 the San Francisco Police Department Burglary Unit and Organized Retail Theft Taskforce launched a months-long investigation based on information provided by local retailers. The investigation involved the possession, and sales of, stolen over-the-counter medication and personal care products. The sale of the locally stolen items was done on an online platform and shipped to individuals throughout the country. Investigators identified 38-year-old Sergio Manuel Puga-Tenorio of San Francisco, as the primary suspect in the fencing operation.  

On Wednesday, July 13, 2022, with the assistance of Ingleside Station officers, SFPD investigators served a search warrant on Tenorio’s home on Milton Street in the city’s Ingleside District. While serving the search warrant, investigators located and seized thousands of stolen goods estimated to be worth nearly $200,000. Investigators have been and will continue to work closely with local retailers to determine the origin of the stolen items.  

Investigators estimate that Mr. Tenorio’s fencing operation was yielding over half a million dollars annually for at least the last three years. Investigators also believe that Mr. Puga-Tenorio is not unique and that there are several other individuals in the city conducting similar fencing operations. The SFPD will continue to work with local retailers and the district attorney to hold these people accountable.  

Following the search warrant service, Mr. Puga-Tenorio was transported to San Francisco County Jail where he was booked on one count of possession of stolen property (496(a) PC). 

Photos of the recovered merchandise accompany this news release.  

Anyone with information is asked to call the SFPD Tip Line at 1-415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD.