Security Guard Held in Theft of Designer Clothing

About $63,500 worth of designer clothing and accessories worn on shows like “Ally McBeal,” “The Practice,” “Boston Legal” and “Boston Public” have been retrieved from the home of a female security officer responsible for patrolling a Manhattan Beach television studio, authorities said Tuesday.

Debra Michelle Oliver, 45, was arrested earlier this month and charged with commercial burglary after more than 350 pieces -- including Gucci and Chanel women’s suits -- were collected from her Long Beach house, officials said.

“There was a lot of clothes everywhere,” said Det. Vince Capparilli of the Manhattan Beach Police Department. The clothes were found on racks throughout the apartment, but mostly in the bedroom.

“It was a lot of stuff,” he said, adding that it took three or four cars to transport everything.

Detectives allege that Oliver stole the items from David E. Kelley Productions at Raleigh Manhattan Beach Studios over the course of several months while working a midnight-to-8-a.m. shift.

She had worked for Securitas, a security company hired by the studio, for a couple of years, Capparilli said.

The dresses, pants, suits, belts, shoes, purses and brooches were part of the “stock wardrobe” that was used on the TV shows produced by the company. The items may have been used by leading actors, guest actors, or by background people.

The production company had conducted an internal investigation before the police were brought in, said Rick Silverman, chief operating officer for David E. Kelley Productions. He would not comment on security procedures, but did say they “had some lapses.”

Oliver was arrested March 17 by Manhattan Beach police on suspicion of stealing $500 worth of clothing. A search warrant was executed a week later.

The stolen things, identified by studio insignia, were inventoried and returned to the studio, Capparilli said. Investigators did not know whether Oliver had planned to sell the items.

Oliver posted bail and is scheduled to appear in court April 29.