PERRIS, CA — Four men were recently charged in connection with a string of thefts across Southern California in which over $50,000 worth of air conditioning units were stolen from new home construction sites, according to police, who said the probe was led by investigators in southwest Riverside County.

Those facing charges include 41-year-old Pedro Perez Gomez and 43-year-old Jose Servin Perez, both of Santa Ana, along with Santiago Garcia, 51, of Riverside, and Armando Lopez, 58, of Garden Grove, police announced Tuesday.

The Robbery Burglary Suppression Team at the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office station in Perris began investigating the thefts in May and learned the thieves were taking the air conditioners to Van Nuys and selling them, according to authorities.

The team worked with Riverside and Los Angeles police as well as the sheriff’s departments in Orange and San Diego counties to develop leads, authorities said. Law enforcement served search warrants in the 7000 block of Woodley Avenue in Van Nuys and the 10000 block of Gramercy Place in Riverside, where they recovered the air conditioners, according to police.

Lopez was already in custody in Orange County for unrelated charges but will face additional charges of grand theft, conspiracy and vandalism, according to police, who said Garcia, Gomez and Perez were booked into jail in Riverside County on charges of grand theft, conspiracy and vandalism.

Anyone with information is asked to call Riverside County Deputy Sanchez at 951-776–1099 or 951-210–1000.

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MURRIETA, CA — The Murrieta City Council Tuesday will consider an ordinance identical to one passed nearly a year ago by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors intended to crack down on catalytic converter thieves by establishing specific regulations and penalties lacking under state law.

“The theft of catalytic converters has been an increasing problem throughout Southern California in recent years, with the city of Murrieta experiencing at least six thefts per month,” according to a statement posted to the council agenda for Tuesday. “The purpose and intent of this ordinance is to curb the theft of converters throughout the city.”

Council members are slated to conduct an initial hearing on the proposal, Ordinance No. 606-24, and if approved, it would return for a second reading and final approval next month.

The measure is identical to one approved by the county Board of Supervisors for application throughout unincorporated communities in September 2023.

The principal proponents of the county ordinance, Supervisors Kevin Jeffries and Yxstian Gutierrez, noted that catalytic converter theft was among “the fastest growing crimes in the country.”

There were nearly 400 converter thefts countywide in 2023, roughly double the number in 2022, according to public safety officials.

Catalytic converters are used to filter emissions to cut down on the volume of pollutants discharged by cars and trucks. They’re located within a vehicle’s exhaust system and average about $1,200 apiece. Components include metals like palladium, platinum and rhodium, which command per-ounce prices ranging from $1,000 to $14,000. Thieves take the converters to scrap metal dealers and sell them.

The Murrieta ordinance would make it a misdemeanor offense to unlawfully possess a catalytic converter detached from a vehicle. A person caught with one would have to provide “verifiable valid proof of ownership,” or risk facing criminal charges.

Bills of sale, auto body shop documents indicating that the converter was removed by owner consent, email messages between the possessor and previous owner showing there was an agreement to relinquish the device, pictures of the vehicle from which the converter was removed and other evidence would be required to establish appropriate possession under the ordinance.

Without that paper trail, a person caught with a converter may be charged, slapped with fines between $1,000 and $5,000, as well as possibly do time in county jail.

Similar measures are in effect in San Bernardino County and municipalities in the region, including Eastvale and Upland.

Local law enforcement officials have supported specific regulatory action aimed at converter thefts because of what they’ve described as an absence of clear state provisions that address the activity.

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Like his mother Janice Turner, Kingston is accused of multiple counts of fraud and theft, according to the Broward Sheriff’s Office arrest warrant. The “Beautiful Girls” singer — who was reportedly in California for performances — was taken into custody in Fort Irwin and booked into jail in San Bernardino County.

“This evening, police in Fort Irwin, Calif., arrested Kisean Anderson, aka Sean Kingston, without incident on a Broward Sheriff’s Office arrest warrant for numerous fraud and theft charges,” the Broward Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

“We were in the process of having him return to Florida after his show,” Bob Rosenblatt, an attorney representing Kingston, told NBC News, adding that the singer would waive extradition. “We want him back asap so we can show this is merely a civil case and not criminal. We look forward to challenging this case in court. “

Following the raid conducted by Broward Sheriff deputies and Davie Police SWAT, an attorney named Dennis Card, who represents Ver Ver Entertainment, told NBC Miami that the raid was conducted in connection to a lawsuit the company filed alleging that Kingston never paid for luxury items — namely a 232″ TV and premium sound system — he had purchased.

“[Kingston] likes having bling, he likes showing off, he’s a showman,” Card said. “My client has a $150,000 television sound system that’s in there, there’s also about $1 million worth of watches that are in there, there’s a $80,000 custom bed that was ordered. This is an organized systematic fraud.”

“[Kingston’s] got basically a script, he says that he works with Justin Bieber, and that he obviously puts on a big show here, this is a rental house, he doesn’t own it, and he lures people using his celebrity into having them release things without him paying for it and then he simply never pays,” Card added; Kingston and Bieber recorded the song “Eenie Meenie” together in 2010.

Card added, “He’s got judgements against him for procuring more than $1 million in watches without paying for them. This is just an ongoing pattern for Sean,” alluding to previous lawsuits against Kingston including a $1 million unpaid jewelry bill.

Kingston’s mother, Turner, has legal issues dating back to at least 2006, when she pled guilty to four counts of filing false loan applications and one count of bank fraud involving $132,000 in stolen funds. She was sentenced to 16 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Turner also is currently embroiled in a civil lawsuit seeking $100,000 in unpaid rent for a different Florida home.

Following his mother’s arrest but prior to his own, Kingston posted on his Instagram Stories, “People love negative energy! I am good and so is my mother!. My lawyers are handling everything as we speak.”

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File: TE232040022

Details:

On July 23, 2023, the Riverside Sheriff’s Southwest Station deputies responded to a business in the 39000 block of Winchester Road in the City of Temecula regarding a past burglary. Deputies learned multiple suspects entered the business after hours and stole several bottles of high-end alcohol.

The Southwest Station’s Robbery/Burglary Suppression Team (RBST) assumed the investigation and began following all leads. On September 17, 2023, an additional burglary occurred at the same business, targeting the same product with similar suspect descriptions. RBST learned the same suspects also burglarized several other businesses throughout Riverside County and surrounding counties within the same time frame. On September 24, 2023, several additional burglaries occurred at pharmacies throughout the Southern California region, where suspects matching the same description stole numerous bottles of medication.

RBST began collaborating with several allied agencies and loss prevention partners across Southern California to determine the extent and number of incidents for which this organized retail crew was responsible. The investigation revealed the suspects stole over $200,000 of high-end alcohol and prescription medication and caused over $50,000 in damages during the burglaries. It was also learned the suspects were associated with a Los Angeles-based gang and were selling the stolen items for profit. The suspects are responsible for approximately 40 burglaries.

After an extensive investigation spanning several months and using several investigative resources and agencies, RBST was able to positively identify four of the suspects as 24-year-old Aaron Kincy, a resident of Los Angeles, 24-year-old Corey Christopher, 23-year-old Rasheed Reed, and 23-year-old Armaun Yerger, all residents of Compton.

On December 21, 2023, RBST, with the assistance of several additional teams, served search warrants in the 100 block of 91st Street in Los Angeles, the 4000 block of Nicolet Avenue in Los Angeles, and the 13000 block of South Largo Avenue in Compton. During the search, deputies located several items of evidentiary value connecting all suspects to the string of burglaries, including clothing, several bottles of stolen prescription medication, and high-end alcohol. There were also six firearms recovered during the operation, which included unserialized guns and a firearm with an altered serial number. Aaron Kincy and Corey Christopher were located and arrested during the service of the search warrants. An additional subject, 20-year-old Kamron Williams of Compton, was also arrested for violating probation.

Aaron Kincy and Corey Christopher were booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center for several counts of organized retail theft, grand theft, burglary, and possession of a controlled substance for sale. Kincy is being held on $1,000,000 bail, and Christopher is being held on $500,000 bail. Reed and Yerger are already in custody, and additional warrants were issued for their involvement in this case. This is an ongoing investigation. No further details are available at this time.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has zero tolerance for these offenses. We will continue to work proactively with our allied agencies, loss prevention partners, and the District Attorney’s Office to combat organized retail crime.

Anyone with additional information about this case is encouraged to contact Investigator Jeffrey Andrews of the Southwest Station RBST Team at (951) 696–3000.

For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.

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File # Multiple File Numbers

Details:

On Tuesday, December 20 , 2023, deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s– Lake Elsinore Robbery-Burglary Suppression Team and Special Enforcement Team conducted an enforcement operation aimed at combating retail theft at a business located in the 29000 block of Central Avenue, in the city of Lake Elsinore. The purpose of the operation was to identify and arrest retail theft offenders. Deputies partnered with loss prevention staff during the operation, which resulted in the arrests of six suspects for various criminal charges. Stolen property was recovered, and criminal offenders were booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center.

The following subjects were arrested during the operation:

• Joseph Gordon, 34-year-old resident of Lake Elsinore for shoplifting and probation violation
• Patrick Graham, 54-year-old resident of Lake Elsinore for burglary and conspiracy
• Lilia Navarro, 57-year-old resident of Lake Elsinore for burglary and conspiracy
• Kellie Nelson, 41-year-old resident of Lake Elsinore for narcotics-related misdemeanor warrants
• Robert Ruiz, 41-year-old resident of Lake Elsinore for burglary and 6 additional felony warrants
• Ashley McMillan, 38-year-old resident of Lake Elsinore for narcotics-related misdemeanor warrants

The Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station takes all crime seriously and will continue these operations throughout the year to combat theft in the community in order to protect businesses and its customers. Anyone with information regarding the arrests associated with this operation is encouraged to contact Deputy Noel at the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station, at (951) 245–3300.

As a reminder, “Community Policing” involves partnerships between law enforcement and community members. Business owners and residents are encouraged to report criminal activity directly to law enforcement by calling Sheriff’s Dispatch at (951) 776–1099, or by calling 911 if the matter is an emergency.

For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.

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File # EV232190025

Details:

On August 7, 2023, deputies assigned to the city of Eastvale Special Enforcement Team (SET) responded to the parking lot of a business located in the 5000 block of Hamner Avenue, in Eastvale, to investigate a robbery. Deputies learned two suspects, later identified as Petre Alexandru, a 27- year-old resident of Romania and Gratiela Stoian, a 22-year-old resident of Romania, lured an elderly victim toward them to have a conversation. During the interaction, the suspects distracted the victim and robbed him of jewelry he was wearing. The suspects fled the scene in a vehicle.

Through several investigative means, SET deputies learned the couple was responsible for a similar incident in Vancouver, Canada. Deputies identified both suspects and the vehicle used in the crime. Deputies coordinated an apprehension of the suspects with the Palm Springs Police Department. Both suspects were ultimately arrested in the city of Palm Springs. A search of the vehicle resulted in the finding of multiple necklaces, rings, watches and bracelets possibly belonging to other unidentified victims.

Both Alexandru and Stoian were subsequently transported and booked at the Robert Presley Detention Center for robbery, elder abuse, and conspiracy to commit a crime. Alexandru and Stoian are currently pending a $500,000.00 bail.

It is believed these suspects have been involved in similar incidents. Anyone with information on this case or who may have been a victim to these suspects is encouraged to call Deputy Morris at the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station by calling 951-955-6006.

As a reminder, “Community Policing” involves partnerships between law enforcement and community members. Business owners and residents are encouraged to report criminal activity directly to law enforcement by calling Sheriff’s Dispatch at (951) 776-1099, or by calling 911 if the matter is an emergency. Criminal activity can also be reported through the We-Tip Crime Reporting Hotline, (909) 987-5005.

For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.

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The post Suspects Arrested in Distraction Theft of Elderly Victim appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

File # TE230670173

Details:

On March 8, 2023, at 4:30 PM, Riverside Sheriff’s Southwest Station deputies responded to a business in the 44600 block of Pechanga Parkway in the City of Temecula regarding the theft of a 2021 Forest River travel trailer. It was learned the travel trailer was stolen on March 7, 2023, at approximately 6:15 PM by a heavyset male adult driving a white pick-up truck.

The Southwest Station’s Robbery/Burglary Suppression Team (RBST) assumed the investigation and began following all leads. It was learned at least three other trailers were stolen from the same storage facility between February and March, and the same gate code was used to access the facility on each occasion. Through investigative leads and video surveillance, members of RBST positively identified the suspect of each incident as Jessie Villalpando, a 32-year-old resident of Lake Elsinore. The suspect vehicles primarily utilized during the thefts were determined to be a white 2022 Dodge Ram with Florida license plates and white 2020 Toyota Tundra with California license plates. It was also determined Penske and U-Haul style truck rentals were used in the thefts.

On March 21, 2023, Villalpando was located near the 30600 block of Briggs Road in Menifee, where he was taken into custody without incident. At the time of Villalpando’s arrest, he was in possession of two additional stolen trailers, including a utility box trailer and a 28-foot travel trailer. RSBT deputies also identified multiple storage units belonging to Villalpando, where a search warrant was served and additional stolen property was located. At least seven trailers were determined to have been stolen by Villalpando. Villalpando was booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center for multiple counts of possession of stolen property and vehicle theft.

The investigation determined that Villalpando has been stealing utility box trailers and travel trailers since approximately November 2022 throughout Riverside County. The trailers have primarily been stolen from storage facilities. It is believed there are additional victims who have not been identified.

Anyone with information about this case or aware of additional incidents involving Villalpando is encouraged to contact Deputy Alfonso Valadez of the Southwest Station RBST Team at (951) 696–3032.

For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.

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The post Suspect Arrested in Trailer Theft Series appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

File # TE223370115

Details:

On December 3, 2022, at 5:05 PM, Southwest Station deputies responded to a business in the 31000 block of Temecula Parkway in the City of Temecula, reference a theft of several cosmetic products. The reporting party provided a license plate and description of the suspect vehicle, which was a black 2017 Lincoln Continental. Deputies began checking the area and located the suspect vehicle parked in front of another retail store nearby. Deputies observed three females run out of the store holding bags full of additional stolen merchandise. Two of the females were apprehended by deputies, who were identified as Christian Ragland, a 28-year-old resident of Riverside, and a 15-year old juvenile.

The Southwest Station’s Robbery/Burglary Suppression Team (RBST) assumed the investigation. The suspect vehicle was recovered and a search of the vehicle revealed several trash bags with over 1,000 items of stolen merchandise from different retail stores, to include over the counter medications and beauty supply products. A total of eight stores have been identified as possible victims of the theft based upon items found in the vehicle. The total value of merchandise recovered was approximately $20,000.00.

Ragland was booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center for theft related charges as well as an outstanding felony warrant from San Bernardino County. The juvenile was booked into Southwest Juvenile Hall for theft related charges.

Further investigation is being conducted into the organized retail theft and Southwest RBST is seeking any additional victims. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Deputy Alfonso Valadez of the Southwest Station RBST Team at (951) 696-3032.

For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.

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File # LA222720032

Details:

On Thursday, September 29, 2022, about 10:54 AM, deputies from the Thermal Station responded to a theft in progress that occurred at a business in the 79900 block of Highway 111 in the City of La Quinta. Upon deputies’ arrival, the suspect, identified as Jose Manuel Alvarez, a 45-year-old resident of Indio, was in the process of stealing several power tools. As deputies attempted to make contact, Alvarez dropped the tools and fled on foot. A foot pursuit ensued as deputies chased Alvarez through the parking lot and wash, and into a nearby residential community. A perimeter was established and Alvarez was located hiding in the backyard of a residence in the 80600 block of Veranda Lane. Alvarez was subsequently taken into custody without further incident. Alvarez was identified as a suspect in multiple power tool thefts which occurred in the cities of La Quinta and Indio over the past several weeks. Alvarez was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center for theft and resisting a peace officer.

Anyone with information about this investigation is urged to contact Corporal Lorton of the La Quinta Special Enforcement Team at 760-863-8990.

As a reminder, “Community Policing” involves partnerships between law enforcement and community members. Business owners and residents are encouraged to report criminal activity directly to law enforcement by calling Sheriff’s Dispatch at 760-836-3215, or by calling 911 if the matter is an emergency. Criminal activity can also be reported through the We-Tip Crime Reporting Hotline at 909-987-5005.

For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

The post Suspect Arrested for Theft of Power Tools appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

File # C222270012

Details:

On Monday, August 15, 2022, at 4:25 PM Thermal Station deputies responded to a report of diesel fuel being stolen from the Mecca Travel Center. When deputies arrived, they contacted two males who matched the description provided by the reporting party. When they were contacted, the males were found pumping diesel fuel into a large fuel storage tank on the bed of a truck. The investigation found the males had manipulated the fuel pump mechanism which allowed them to pump fuel without paying for it. The tank was discovered half full and the males had pumped approximately 470 gallons of fuel, worth $2,716. Pablo Jose Huertas Ochaeta, a 35-year old resident of Los Angeles and Eliseo Laglera, a 21-year old resident of Huntington Park were arrested for the theft. They were booked into the John Benoit Detention Center for grand theft and conspiracy. A bail enhancement was requested and approved for $250,000.

It is believed the subjects are part of a larger theft ring and anyone with additional information regarding these types of thefts is encouraged to contact Deputy Pasch or Deputy Zazueta of the Thermal Sheriff’s Station at 760-863-8990.

For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.

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