Three SoCal men arrested for allegedly stealing highly addictive opioids from local pharmacies

UKIAH, CA., 10/23/24 – Three men were arrested last Tuesday for allegedly burgling two pharmacies in Mendocino County, said the Ukiah Police Department. The men are believed to have burgled other pharmacies in other parts of the state.  

According to Ukiah Police, officers responded to an alarm at Myers Medical Pharmacy in Ukiah last Tuesday morning. Upon arrival, officers found evidence of a burglary, including a broken window. No suspects were on scene. It was the second burglary at the pharmacy since February.  

The department used the Flock camera system to identify a Volkswagen SUV driving in the area around the suspected time of the burglary. Flock is a series of fourteen license plate reading cameras that the department operates in the city to solve crimes. 

The SUV was identified as a rental. It was rented by 31-year-old Albony Williams of Buena Park. Williams was found to be a person of interest in other burglaries in the state. He was also suspected of being involved in burglarizing Myers Pharmacy earlier in the year.  

In addition to Myers Pharmacy, investigators learned that Howard Memorial Medical Pharmacy in Willits was also burgled the same morning. The same method of entry, through a window, was used. Video footage showed a suspect entering the pharmacy. Thieves stole opiate prescription drugs from Howard Memorial, said the police.  

As a result, the department issued a Be on the Look Out for the Volkswagen SUV and three suspects: Williams, 32-year-old Tevin Barnes of Anaheim and 42-year-old Cedeno Wyatt of Buena Park.  

A few hours later, a deputy from the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office located the Volkswagen at a motel in Laytonville. A search warrant was issued for the vehicle and motel room.  

Police found two suspects, Barnes and Wyatt, in the room. Both were arrested. Williams fled the scene and was later apprehended at a bus stop in Ukiah.  

According to the department, hundreds of prescription drugs were found, including oxycodone, hydrocodone and hydromorphone pills and bottles of codeine syrup. These drugs are sold on the black market and highly addictive, said the department. 

All three men were booked at Mendocino County Jail. The department is working with law enforcement agencies in other parts of the state regarding cases associated with the Mendocino County burglaries.