LOS ANGELES (KTLA) – Authorities have arrested a man believed to be part of a criminal operation reselling a stolen commercial truck chassis from the port of Los Angeles.
Dennis Fuentes, 25, of Gardena, was taken into custody Wednesday after a joint investigation by the Port of Los Angeles Police and the Los Angeles Police Department.
Fuentes was arrested at a facility in the 14,500 block of South Avalon Boulevard in Gardena, and authorities also found 24 stolen units for around $600,000.
He was later booked to prison for allegedly receiving the stolen property.
Law enforcement officials said they believe he is part of a large theft ring that has been operating at the Port of LA for several months. The suspects are expected to enter the container terminal and resell them as new after the commercial truck driver steals designated chassis to move cargo and changes identification details.
Several commercial truck chassis stolen from the Port of Los Angeles are shown after it was recovered by law enforcement on February 5, 2025 (Los Angeles Port Police) Several commercial truck chassis stolen from the Port of Los Angeles is shown after recovered law enforcement (Los Angeles Port Police) on February 5, 2025
Investigators estimate that the scheme could have generated millions of people from stolen revenue.
“Port of Los Angeles [is] Rosario Ferrara said: “Our investigation into these activities continues to evolve, but we hope that this arrest will send a message to other criminals targeting the port complex.”
Officials said the investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are expected.
Anyone with information about an investigation at the Port of LA has been urged to contact LA Port police detectives at 310-732-3500. Anonymous tips can be provided online or by calling 800-222-8477.
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