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RIVERSIDE, Calif. – A Riverside County man and woman were arrested for an embezzlement scheme where around $100,000 worth of Target merchandise was stolen.

Authorities first became aware of the situation when the asset protection from the Target store located in the 2700 block of Canyon Springs Parkway in Riverside notified police in early June. Working with the leads that Target asset protection developed detectives began an investigation.

Through investigation, it was determined that 23-year-old Elias Hernandez, of Moreno Valley, worked at the Target and aided a female suspect in stealing around $100000 worth of merchandise in the previous five months. Hernandez was allegedly giving the female gift cards to make fraudulent purchases, which he would allow her to “price check” the items well below their value. “One example included where a $15 package of diapers was rung up for only $2 to $3 dollars,” Riverside Police officials said.

Elias Hernandez was arrested at the store on Wednesday, June 5, 2019, and was booked at the Robert Presley Detention Center for embezzlement and grand theft.

The investigation continued and the female suspect was identified as Mandeep Chamdal, 34, of Perris. Officers obtained a search warrant and searched a home in the 2200 block of Jomada Drive in the City of Perris on Thursday, June 13, 2019. “While searching the house, detectives located and recovered approximately $100,000 worth of stolen property from Target,” Riverside Police officials said in the news release. “It is believed the suspect would sell the stolen merchandise at local swap meets, particularly one in Wildomar.” Chamdal was arrested and booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center for Grand Theft.

This investigation is still ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Jeff Derouin at (951) 826-5722 or jderouin@riversideca.gov. Those wishing to remain anonymous can email rpdtips@riversideca.gov or utilize the Riverside Police Department’s mobile app “SUBMIT A TIP” feature while referencing report number 190016236.

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