San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog

San Diego Man accused of stabbing a man riding the trolley then carjacking an elderly man’s vehicle is being ordered to stand trial.

Gregory Charles Davis, 54, is being charged with attempted murder, carjacking, elder abuse, and two misdemeanor counts of hit-and-run. Davis is accused for stabbing a fellow trolley rider as well as carjacking a 75-year-old man’s car near Old Town on September 26. Davis pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity following his preliminary hearing at the downtown courthouse. Preceding the trial, the defendant is to be examined by a psychiatrist and psychologist that is court-appointed. If the defendant is convicted of these charges he faces 15 years to life but if he is also found insane he could be sent to a state mental hospital.

Witness Kirstie Moss testified that Davis appeared to be frantic in the back of the trolley when he headed down the aisle, yelled something unintelligible and then stabbed victim James Novae in the neck. The victim had to have emergency throat surgery due to the life threatening wound. Another witness who was on the trolley during the incident testified that Davis seemed to be acting a bit strange and did not seem to be mentally secure when he attacked Novae.

According to prosecutor Christopher Moon, after exiting the trolley the defendant allegedly went up to an elderly man demanding the keys to his Buick. Davis then struck the man and recklessly drove away causing two hit-and-run accidents. The stolen Buick was spotted heading south along Interstate 805. Officers used a service dog to search an open brush area which the carjacker had been spotted after pulling over on the freeway. At around 4 p.m. Davis was taken into custody.

Carjacking Suspect Ordered To Stand Trial, 10news.com, December 19, 2011

Insanity trial ordered trolley stabbing case, fox5sandiego.com, December 20, 2011

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Chula Vista suspected mall robbers were taken into custody Thursday.

In the Chula Vista shopping mall, three people were arrested and taken into custody for armed robbery. The robbery occurred Thursday evening at the Footaction USA, a store in the Chula Vista mall located on Brodway and H Street. According to Chula Vista Police Lt. Daniel Hardman, it was reported that two males went into the store armed and ordered the employees to the back and then commanded that they give them cash and shoes. The alleged robbers tried to exit the store through the back door but were unable to immediately get out so during this confusion, an employee slipped out unseen to contact the authorities.

The suspects, identified as 24 year-old Lukmond Muhammad and 23 year-old Anthony Bolden, were spotted by officers arriving to the scene. Muhammad and Bolden were seen running from the south parking lot onto Fifth Avenue where they then split up as they entered a residential area. Police tracked down Muhammad who was then arrested and then used canine units and a helicopter to look for Bolden but were unable to find him. Muhammad’s 21 year-old wife, Patria, was also arrested for being an accomplice as the getaway driver. Police recovered all stolen property. Chula Vista police Capt. Gary Wedge reported that “based on information, evidence we have we believe she was well aware of what was going on”.

Bolden was arrested and taken into custody Friday afternoon at his San Diego home. The authorities also searched Muhammad’s residence and found evidence that connects the two suspects to another 10 armed robberies throughout San Diego County. Chula Vista police Lt. Lon Turner said “some items were items of clothing that may be involved in helping us identify other potential robberies”.

Suspected Mall Store Robbers In Custody, 10news.com, December 16, 2011

Mall heist suspect nabbed by police dog, signonsandiego.com, December 16, 2011

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San Diego twins were arrested Tuesday for selling stolen items on Craigslist

The twin brothers Juan and Julio Villanueva had reportedly stolen more than $100,000 in property and tried selling the items on Craigslist. According to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department the men stole items such as sports memorabilia, high end appliances including Viking and Thermador ovens, microwaves, dishwashers and trash compactors. Sheriff’s Sgt. Joe Montion noted that the appliances stolen between November 17 and 19 had been recovered however only $34,000 worth of items were recovered and the rest lost. The two brothers had the appliances located at two residents located in the 1600 block of Wilt Road in Fallbrook.

Two detectives posed as husband and wife responding to the Craigslist add and met up with their Julio Villanueva who used a false identity. The detectives recognized 36 stolen appliances held in Villanueva’s garage. Both brothers were then arrested on suspicion of theft and conspiracy to sell stolen property. They were then booked into the Vista Detention Facility. Montion reported that a computer was recovered from one of the residents in which the internet search history showed searches for homes for sale with “high-end stainless appliances” in North County as well as in Riverside County.

One of the undercover detectives reported that the twins “were definitely not amateurs. They knew what they wanted. We believe there are many more victims”. Juan Villanueva’s bail was set at $210,000 while his twin brother’s bail was set at $215,000 for also being held on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine.

Twins Arrested In Craigslist Stolen Goods Bust, 10news.com, November 29, 2011

Twins accused of trying to sell stolen loot online, fox5sandiego.com, November 29, 2011

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Two San Diego men were arrested in connection to the La Mesa Carl’s Jr. robbery.

The robbery occurred at the Carl’s Jr. in La Mesa on the 8000 block of Parkway Drive jus off of Fletcher Parkway. Two men entered the fast food restaurant, occupied by one customer and several employees around 9 p.m. The armed men commanded the employees to lie on the ground and ordered the cooks to crawl to the front. The robbers stole both a safe and $900 cash then fled the scene. Although the faces of the robbers were partly covered, the employees were able to give a somewhat detailed description of the men to the police.

Not long after the robbery, an officer who was supervising an intersection near the Carl’s Jr. spotted a car occupying two men that matched the description of the robbers. The officer proceeded to pursue the car until it finally pulled over on Adobe Falls Road and Waring Road in Mission Valley. The occupants of the car were identified as 31 year-old Antonio Arnold and 30 year-old Mario Deangelo.

The two were arrested on spot without incident. Authorities searched the home of one of the suspects and were able to recover some of the stolen cash and located one of the weapons used. Police are investigating to see if they are in connection to any of the past 10 business robberies that have occurred in La Mesa in the past month however they do not think it is likely that either one of them are responsible for any of the previous robberies.

2 Men Arrested In Connection To La Mesa Armed Robbery, 10news.com, November 14, 2011

La Mesa Carl's Jr. Robbed at Gunpoint, sandiego6.com, November 14, 2011

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San Diego woman has gone on a credit card theft spree all around San Diego County stealing from unsuspecting elderly victims.

San Diego Authorities are seeking the public’s help to identify a woman who has stolen multiple shoppers’ wallets and then used the cards at various stores shortly after the theft. Only three incidents are known to be in connection with the suspect. The first occasion occurred on June 2 at a CVS Pharmacy at 734 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road in San Marcos at about 2:30 p.m. where the suspect diverted an 81-year-old woman’s attention by questioning her about a product, then took the victim’s wallet out of her purse. The elderly victim noticed that her wallet was missing when she went to make a purchase. Not long after the theft, the suspect allegedly went on a spending spree using the stolen credit cards to make purchases worth $2,400 at stores ranging from Carlsbad all the way to San Clemente. The suspect then made cash advance of $1,000 at a Carlsbad bank using a stolen credit card.

The second incident occurred the day after the first theft at around 10 a.m. when the suspect once again stole the wallet of an elderly shopper of about 65 years in age at Windmill Farms at 6386 Del Cerro Blvd in San Diego. According to authorities, only two hours following the theft the suspect spent $500 worth of purchases on the stolen credit cards and this time made a $2,000 cash advance. The third occasion happened on July 6 at a Ralph’s grocery store located in La Mesa. This time the suspect had an accomplice with her who was also a woman. The two stole the wallet from a distracted 85-year-old woman and then used the credit cards charging up to $500 and then made a cash advance of $3,000.

The suspect is described by authorities as black, age 50 to 55, height ranging from 5 ft 3 to 5 ft 6 and around 180 to 220 pounds. She also has graying shoulder-length hair and has large teeth with gaps between each tooth. Her accomplice is also black, heavyset and around 45 to 55 years in age

Woman Who Stole, Used Elderly Shoppers' Credit Cards Sought, 10news.com, September 16, 2011

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Two San Diego Men were convicted of first degree murder along with other charges.

29 year-old Brandon Hayes and 22 year-old Jeffery Carl Reed were convicted Tuesday for robbing and strangling their grandmother in her mobile home. Both men were charged and found guilty of first-degree murder along with two special circumstance allegations of murder committed in the course of a robbery and burglary branching from the death of 73 year-old Eunice Cothron. No date has been set for sentencing yet but the two men are looking at life in prison without the possibility of parole. The jury read their verdicts Monday afternoon after starting the deliberations Friday. Linda Allen, Cothron’s niece said after the verdict was read “we now have justice and go on with closure”.

According to Prosecutor Kurt Mechals, Cothron’s body was discovered by her son who is also Hayes’ father, Allen, and that she had bruises on her arms, lacerations to her neck and had blunt force injuries to her head face and neck. The prosecution argued that the defendant, Hayes, had strangled the victim after she had acquired a restraining order against him. Mechals also argued that “these are two drug-addicted individuals who, in our theory, wanted money and they knew where to get it. The prosecution explained to the jury that Cothron sympathized with Hayes and would give him money and do his chores when the rest of his family had disowned him because of he constantly stole from them.

Bart Sheela, Hayes’ San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer, didn’t argue that Hayes killed his grandmother however he argued on the reason for why he did it. According to Sheela, Hayes killed his grandma and robbed her because she told him she did not have her birth certificate and was not guilty of murder because his intention was not to rob her.

2 Men Guilty Of Robbing, Murdering Grandmother, 10news.com, August 23, 2011

Grandson, friend guilty in murder of elderly woman, fox5sandiego.com, August 23, 2011

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Imperial Beach gas station attendant was tied up by two robbers during an armed robbery.

The San Diego County sheriff’s department is searching for the two suspects who robbed and tied up a gas station employee last Tuesday. One of the robbers held the victim in the back office of the station at gunpoint while the other went ahead and robbed the Imperial Beach gas station. According to San Diego County Sheriff’s Sgt. Michael Blevins the incident was reported around 10:50 p.m. and occurred at the Beach Side Station at 681 State Route 75 on Tuesday. Blevins added that the two robbers wore bandanas over their faces, hoodies and baseball caps on their heads. One of the suspects carried a black handgun.

The robbers ordered the employee to open a safe in the back office after emptying out the cash register. The employee complied and was then tied up by the San Diego criminals. The two suspects left the scene on foot and headed southbound on Seventh Street. With them they had the money from the cash register and the safe. The exact loss was not released. The sergeant said that the lone employee was freed moments later by a customer who came into the Beach Side gas station.

The two men were described by authorities as young black men in their 20s, around 5 feet 8 inches and weighing anywhere between 160 and 170 pounds. The deputies of the San Diego Sheriff’s department are still investigating the crime.

2 Men Tie Up Gas Station Employee During Robbery, 10news.com, August 10, 2011

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San Diego Robbery suspect arrested after two San Diego Banks were held up, according to the FBI.

San Diego Police arrested Jaquett Ebony Darby, 31, on Tuesday for allegedly robbing a North Park and a Rancho Penasquitos U.S. Bank. Both banks were robbed in a matter of 10 days. On July 9 in the 3200 block of University Ave, the suspected thief presented the bank teller with a note that read, “Give me the money or Die.” She left the scene after receiving a sum of money.

Then again on July 19, around 10:00 a.m., in the 14000 block of Penasquitos Drive the alleged bank thief gave the teller a note that read, “Money now or die.” The teller abided by her terms and gave her the money. Both times the robbery suspect wore a green dress, a hat and sunglasses.

Darby was identified after surveillance photos were released by the FBI. The suspected thief was arrested and taken into custody for the San Diego crimes.

Woman Accused Of Robbing 2 SD Banks Arrested, 10News.com, July 28, 2011

Bank Robber Arrested, San Diego 6 The CW, July 28,2011

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San Diego man is suspected of identity theft from installing skimming devices at a local ATM.

Authorities announced Wednesday that 49-year old Daniel Axinte allegedly used a debit card skimming device on a Rancho Penasquitos Chase Bank ATM machine. The skimming device was placed on the bank security door and ATM machines so Axinte could steal PIN numbers of customers who used the machines. Axinte is being charged with multiple counts of identity theft as well as other crimes and also had a scheduled arraignment at the downtown courthouse Wednesday afternoon. The suspect had also allegedly placed cameras aimed at the keypad where customers would enter their PIN’s while using the ATM.

According to District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, the suspect is said to have stolen over 970 debit cards with a loss of over $100,000. Dumanis said “this brazen crime is a twist on debit card skimming, perpetrated by an ID thief who wasn’t afraid to repeat his crime over and over at the same location. Bank customers had no idea their personal information was being compromised. But this latest crime should remind San Diegans how important it is to protect their personal financial information as best they can”.

According to Deputy District Attorney Sharla Evert, Axinte would withdraw money mostly $500 at a time using reconfigured debit cards from the stolen personal information. She also said that one of Axinte’s victims had to get a new debit card three times. The Chase Bank branch located on Black Mountain Road in Rancho Penasquitos had contacted the San Diego Regional Fraud task Force and informed them of the ongoing crime. Investigators of the task force arrested Axinte after conducting surveillance at the branch.

Man Accused Of Installing ATM Skimming Devices, ID Theft, 10news.com, July 27, 2011

DA: Man stole debit card info with recorder on ATM, fox5sandiego.com, July 27, 2011

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A San Diego robbery leaves two suspects arrested for allegedly breakin into an Ocean Beach home.

The two men were arrested at a traffic stop on Tuesday shortly after robbing a man in his home where they tied him up and threatened them with a gun. The San Diego crime was reported around 10:30 a.m. and occurred in the 3800 block of Voltaire Street. The resident of the home, Marcus Somerset, reported that when he answered the knock on his door two armed men shoved past him, forcefully took him, tied him up with duck tape and demanded him to sit on the floor where the men then proceeded to take items from the residence including a flat screen TV.

The victim immediately contacted the police once the robbers left. The San Diego police arrived at Somerset’s apartment within minutes, however were uncertain of who Somerset was so they ordered him to drop to the ground where they then handcuffed the victim. After the police looked around the residence and confirmed Somerset was the victim, they removed his handcuffs and helped him off the ground. The victim was upset by the way he was treated by the officers and when he had initially came out from the apartment some duct tape was still present and visible around his hands and feet.

When Somerset had called the police he was able to give a detailed description of the thief’s car. They had fled in a silver two-door Honda sedan. The authorities had noticed a car matching the description of the thieves’ getaway car 10 minutes later. Officers were able to pull over the vehicle off of Sports Arena Boulevard and Camino del Rio West where they then arrested the two Somali men. When the officers apprehended the men they found the victim’s flat screen TV in the car’s trunk.

2 Accused Of Robbing OB Man Arrested, 10news.com, May 3, 2011

Police mistake victim for the bad guy in Ocean Beach home invasion, cbs8.com, May 3, 2011

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On Wednesday in Los Angeles, a Superior Court Judge, Keith Schwartz, gave Lindsay two options and either decision could result in jail time.

Lohan could either fight or accept a plea deal for stealing a $2500 necklace from an expensive jewelry store. Ultimately, the twenty four year old actress decided to plead not guilty. In Los Angeles, around Venice, a store reported that a $2500 necklace was missing when the necklace all of a sudden showed up to detectives by an undisclosed associate of the young, troubled actress.

Since May, there was always the slight possibility that Lohan could have returned to jail since she failed to appear at her DUI court hearing which resulted in the judge withdrawing her probation. Last year alone, the Parent Trap star was sentenced to rehab twice as well as jail twice. Her punishment was cut short due to overcrowding in the jail. Judge Schwartz revealed that Lohan needs to “get her life back on track” and that she should be given a new sobriety sponsor as well as psychological counseling.

Last year the actress failed her drug test which landed her three months of treatment. Lohan’s father believes that his daughter’s actions were the result of his divorce from her mother. Her behavior has really taken a toll on her professional career when she lost the part of Linda Lovelace for an upcoming film and has not had any work for almost four years ever since she was charged for driving under the influence of alcohol and possessing cocaine.

Judge Tells Lohan Day Of Reckoning Coming Soon, San Diego 10 News, February 25, 2011

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In Chula Vista on Tuesday, Raul Casilla pleaded guilty for working without a contracting license and taking two elderly victims money.

Fifty-year old Casillas was sentenced to a year in jail and five months probation. The prosecuting attorney as well as the defense attorney explained that Casilla was considered a good man in his community who was religious and honest; however, Casilla tricked those who trusted him. According to Paul Greenwood, the Deputy District Attorney, explains that “he [Casilla] is a classic Jekyll and Hyde. He has destroyed people’s lives.” The San Diego criminal previously plead guilty to a felony and a misdemeanor for stealing from an elderly man, working without a license and using a false license number. As part of the charge, Casilla will have to repay the $60,000 at sentencing.

Since Casilla is repaying the money, he will not receive any prison time. While he is on probation he cannot do any contracting work, and if he violates probation there is the possibility that he could receive five years and eight months behind bars. According to the prosecutor, there were five victims who paid Casilla to work on their homes but the work was never completed. In 2005 through 2006 as well as 2008 he also pleaded guilty to working without a contacting license but still didn’t intend to ever apply for a legitimate license.

Supporters of Casilla that showed up to his sentencing accused that the elderly folks were lying when the hearing ended. As everyone was leaving the courtroom, deputies had to keep the groups seperated.

Man Gets a Year in Jail, Probation in Elder Theft Case, Sign on San Diego, February 15, 2011

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San Diego and Los Angeles county alleged bank robber was arrested on Thursday.

The suspect is known as the “Drywaller Bandit” who has been involved in a series of armed bank robberies for the past six months from banks across San Diego and Los Angeles counties. Following his 11th alleged holdup, he was caught by the authorities. According to Lt. Jim Walker, at about 9:15 a.m. on Thursday, an armed man wearing a dust mask robbed a Chase Bank branch office located in Encinitas on the 100 block of North El Camino Real.

Witness Joe Radick witnessed the San Diego crime and was inside the bank when the suspect aggressively stomped into the lobby of the bank. Radick reported that he was startled when he heard the suspect say “This is a stickup”. The startled witness also reported “I see his mask and his gun in his left hand. I look at him… wow, he’s really focused on robbing this bank and I make a run for the door, ran to my truck”. Radick then claims that he was nervous and was wondering if the man was going to shoot him and any others in the bank. Radick left the building and made a call to the authorities.

A few minutes after Radick made his call, the police arrived and saw a man matching the description of the robber walking east near the bank. Deputies caught up with the alleged bank robber and later identified the suspect as John Leendert Oskam, a 39-year-old man from Pasadena. Oskam was arrested and taken to the Encinitas Sheriff’s Station to be interviewed.

Man In 'Drywaller Bandit' Robberies Arrested In Encinitas, 10news.com, February 3, 2011

Alleged 'Drywaller Bandit' arrested after Encinitas heist, fox5sandiego.com, February 4, 2011

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Authorities arrested a man who is believed to have been involved in a bank robbery at a U.S. Bank in Escondido.

Friday morning around 11:30 a.m. Police responded to a bank robbery at a bank in North County located on 2369 East Valley Parkway. A man allegedly used a demand note to get away with an unrevealed amount of cash. This was told to authorities and to Sgt. Craig Miller. Witnesses of the crime were able to supply investigators with a vehicle description and plate number. The authorities were then able to track the car down shortly after the robbery as it drove up into Valley Center and up onto Lake Wohlford Road.

The San Diego criminal who was driving the vehicle was identified as Simon Degler. Degler was pursued by the police when he drove his car into a trailer park and campsite at 14900 Oakvale Road and turned off his car. Degler refused to leave his vehicle and that’s when officers released a police dog on the suspect where he was then bitten.

After being arrested for suspicion of bank robbery, the San Diego criminal was taken to a nearby hospital so his wound would be treated. The case is currently under investigation by the FBI and Degler was jailed at the Metropolitan Correctional Center.

Man Suspected In Escondido Bank Robbery Arrested, 10news.com, January 15, 2011

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San Diego Authorities believe that 19-year-old Billy Cook is responsible for the string of robberies around San Diego County known as the “Cover-My-Strap” robberies.

Cook was arrested by the authorities and was injured while he tried to get away from a police officer after allegedly robbing Church’s Chicken restaurant in Otay Mesa on Tuesday. Cook allegedly held what seemed to be a weapon wrapped in a T-shirt and demanded the cashier to open the register. Cook then snatched a customer’s $10 dollar bill off the counter and ran off. Authorities later learned that Cook’s weapon was not a gun, but was a hammer.

The San Diego criminal is being charged with one count each of robbery and burglary. It is believed that more charges will be made, for Cook is believed to be the one accountable for the series of San Diego armed robberies ranging from Carmel Valley to National City. In each of the thefts, authorities said a man with a bandanna covering the bottom half of his face goes to gas stations and drugstores pointing what looks to be a covered gun in clerks’ faces, ordering them to open the cash register and to give him money. In the San Diego robbery at the Valero Station, Cook is said to have threatened the clerk’s life before leaving the store without any money.

Cook attended Mar Vista and Montgomery high schools where he played football. Classmates described him as arrogant and that he was always getting into trouble. Contrary to this, two women who claim to be family friends of Cook’s, described him as a good boy. Cooks preliminary hearing is December 15, and his bail was set at $200,000.

Man Possibly Linked To Robbery Series Pleads Not Guilty, 10news.com, December 2, 2010

"Cover-My-Strap" Robbery Suspect Arrested Tuesday, sandiego6.com, November 30, 2010

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A man and woman from Poway who are suspected of numerous San Diego crimes including using counterfeit bills were arrested on Thursday at their home, according to authorities.

Rancho Diego Target security guards alerted San Diego police after discovering that purchases were made using counterfeit money. Mina Thamracksa had made two purchases with the fake bills on March 30.

Police went to her home on Powers Road in Poway on Thursday and arrested her and her boyfriend, Thanh Nguyen, who was recently released on bail from San Diego County jail. When police searched the home in Poway they found stolen items from San Diego burglaries that happened around the county, drugs, counterfeit money, which were all seized including computer equipment, according to Sgt. Jeff Maxin.

The Poway couple who were taken into custody on suspicion of counterfeiting and for other San Diego crimes had their one year-old son taken into protective custody.

Poway Couple Arrested for Counterfeiting, San Diego 6 TheCW, April 29,2010

POWAY: Counterfeit money investigation leads to burglary suspects, North County Times, April 29, 2010

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An East San Diego bank robbery had employees and customers lying on the ground by three armed bandits who escaped with an undetermined amount of cash in Rancho San Diego, said police.

The San Diego thieves held up a Citibank branch office on Monday in Rancho San Diego around 11:00 a.m. in the 3700 block of Avocado Boulevard and Calle Verde Drive.

Everyone in the bank, including bank employees and patrons were ordered to lie on the floor by one of the bank robbers who yielded a gun. The two other bandits ascended over the counters, trampling over the tellers and stealing the cash, according to the FBI.

Three bank tellers were hurt in this San Diego theft crime. The robbers who were considered to be violent, escaped in a white four-door sedan with an undetermined amount of money. Images were captured on a surveillance camera of the three robbery suspects.

Violent trio hits Rancho San Diego bank, Sign on San Diego, April 19, 2010

3 Men Rob East County-Area Bank, 10News.com, April 19, 2010

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In San Diego County, after a spree of car burglaries in Chula Vista, there were five people arrested in connection with car break-ins in two separate occurrences over the weekend.

One incident occurred about 10:30 p.m. Saturday when police were notified by a person who was following a vehicle with three men in it who tried to burglarize his car earlier. As the vehicle was entering the 805 Freeway police pulled them over as they exited on Bonita Road. One of the suspects got out of the car and was arrested. The driver of the vehicle that turned out to be stolen earlier that day in National City took off and collided into another vehicle injuring a woman. At that time the second suspect took off out of the stolen vehicle and was arrested. As the driver sped off again he crashed sustaining injuries. San Diego police arrested the driver charging him with hit and run and felony evasion, all three were charged with suspicion of vehicle burglary and possession of stolen property.

Two other men suspected vehicle burglary were taken into custody early Sunday morning about 2:30 a.m., after admitting to an officer that they committed the San Diego theft crime after the officer saw them inside a car in Eastlake in the 1900 block of Marquis Court.

“Whether they’re a part of a larger ring operating in San Diego County, we don’t have any idea at this point,” said Bernard Gonzales with the Chula Police Department. The two suspects, 18 year-old Glenn Spears and Zachary White of Eastlake were arrested on suspicion of vehicle burglary, conspiracy, and possession of stolen property.

Rash of Burglaries in Chula Vista, San Diego 6 The CW, April 20,2010

Five linked to vehicle break-ins arrested, Sign on San Diego, April 18, 2010

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A San Diego robbery and carjacking that happened just before midnight on Monday night in the City Heights area of San Diego leaves three men in custody.

Three men were suspected of robbing a 20 year-old man of cash around 11:45 p.m. on Monday in the vicinity of Van Dyke Avenue and Wightman Street in the Castle area of San Diego.

Shortly after, the three San Diego thieves came up to a man in his thirties. One of the robbers punched him in the face through an open window while he was parking his Toyota Camry behind his apartment building. As the motorist got out of his vehicle one of the suspects drove off in the victims car. The other suspects caught up with him and sped away, according to San Diego police.

The San Diego carjackers were found on West Street near ocean View Boulevard in Mountain View. As San Diego police arrested the driver of the stolen vehicle the two other suspects of this San Diego crime fled on foot. They were soon caught and also arrested.

Three Suspects Arrested in Robbery & Carjacking, San Diego 6 The CW, April 13, 2010

Three men arrested after robbery, carjacking, Sign on San Diego, April 13, 2010

Continue reading "San Diego Carjacking and Robbery Leaves 3 Men in Custody" »

San Diego car break-ins have increased in the first three months of 2010, according to the Chula Vista Police Department.

Eastlake, Otay Ranch, and San Miguel Ranch have been hit the hardest by thieves. There has been a 148 percent increase in Chula Vista car burglaries in 2010 compared to the same time last year. From January to March, 189 incidents were reported to police compared to 76 in 2009.

Police are advising people to not leave any valuables in their vehicle especially if they are left out in plain sight and they are telling them to lock their cars. Thieves are looking for the easy target for break-ins. “A lot of the community members are leaving valuables in their vehicles and as they do that, they’re creating an opportunity for these individuals,” said Chula Vista Police Lt. Roxana Kennedy to 10News.

San Diego car thefts and burglaries can be reduced or avoided by locking your car, using your car alarm and not leaving anything of value in it or keeping it garaged.

Chula Vista Car Burglaries On Rise, 10News.com, April 9, 2010

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A San Diego robbery of a Point Loma Community Credit Union branch leaves two men in custody, according to San Diego police.

A Point Loma Community Credit Union branch at 1350 Rosecrans St. in the Roseville-Fleetridge area was robbed on Tuesday just after 12:30 p.m. when a man handed a bank teller a demand note to hand over money, according to Sergeant Ramona Hastings of the San Diego police department.

The thief walked out of the credit union branch on Emerson Street with an undisclosed amount of stolen cash where he was met by his accomplice. San Diego police were called by an employee of the bank and a customer who followed the thieves onto Rosecrans Street while keeping a safe distance between them.

Richard Wayne Lewis, 40 and Steven Alfaro, 38 were arrested for the San Diego theft crime and taken into custody on suspicion of robbery. The stolen money was given back to the credit union.

2 In Custody For Credit Union Robbery, 10news.com, February 17, 2010

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A man is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman at gunpoint and stealing her computer and cell phone.

According to the San Diego Police Department, Londrea Raymond, 19, is accused of sexually attacking a 26 year-old woman on Wednesday after following her to her apartment in the 4500 block of Vandever Avenue in Tierrasanta about 10:40 p.m.

After entering her apartment the victim closed the door behind her. The suspect then walked into the apartment and sexually assaulted her. “It appears he may have seen her come into the complex and followed her, said Lt. Rick O’Hanlon. “She was not physically injured but went to a hospital for a sexual exam,” O’Hanlon said.

The suspected thief was taken into custody by San Diego police at the Emerald Hills trolley station on Thursday where he had the victim’s laptop and cell phone in his possession. He was arrested on suspicion of robbery, burglary, kidnapping and sexual assault.

Man Accused In Robbery, Sex Assault To Be Arraigned, 10news.com, February 8, 2010

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In Santee there were eight people arrested on Thursday on suspicion of burglary in connection with a 20 home crime spree, according to a San Diego County sheriff’s sergeant.

The young adults who were 21 and under were taken into custody on charges of suspicion of burglary, possession of stolen property, conspiracy, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of controlled substances for sale.

All of the suspected San Diego criminals live in or near the area where the burglaries took place. Since June the break-ins would occur during the day. Jewelry worth $50,000, and video game systems were some of the property taken. The stolen goods were sold to pawn shops in San Diego’s East County and to kiosks in the Parkway Plaza mall that would buy gold.

The alleged thieves were arrested and taken into custody. Sheriff’s deputies found drug paraphernalia, heroin, a firearm and other stolen property during the raids.

8 People Arrested In Santee Burglary Series, 10news.com, January 28, 2010

Eight Young People Arrested in Santee Burglary RIng, San Diego 6 The CW, January 28, 2010

Continue reading "San Diego Burglary Spree in Santee Nets 8 Arrests" »

A man charged with 20 counts of robbery known as the “Backroom Bandit,” was sentenced to 14 years in state prison for robbing businesses across San Diego County.

Dragon Jones, 41, came across the border to look for work to support his family after his restaurant in Tijuana failed, but was not successful which resulted in him turning to San Diego crime. “Things got very difficult for him financially,” according to Jones’ criminal defense attorney who argued for an eight year prison sentence, but was unsuccessful.

The thief would target small businesses in San Diego, El Cajon, National City, Lemon Grove, Chula Vista and Poway. He would force female employees to the back room and terrorize them by brandishing a fake gun after demanding that they give him money. The San Diego thief would also threaten to shoot them and if they called the police he said he would be back.

Jones was arrested at the San Ysidro Port of Entry on October 31, when he tried to come back into the United States. He was ordered by the judge to make restitution to the victims in the amount of $4,291. Jones who had no prior criminal record was very regretful and sorry for the San Diego robberies he committed was sentenced to 14 years in prison.

'Backroom Bandit' To Serve 14 Years In Prison, 10news.com, January 25, 2010

Continue reading "San Diego “Backroom Bandit” Sentenced to 14 Years in State Prison" »

A man from Escondido, who is also known by police as the “Sunset Bandit”, has been ordered to stand trial in April for allegedly holding up several small businesses around the North County area of San Diego.

Thirty two year-old Joel Chacon of Escondido is suspected of the robbing of small businesses in San Diego, Oceanside, Escondido, Vista and San Marcos by pretending to make a purchase, then when the cashier opens the cash drawer the San Diego thief would demand money while revealing the gun he was carrying on his waist..

The suspected North San Diego County bandit who was given this name because of the time of day he struck has been charged with 22 counts of attempted robbery, according to Deputy District Attorney Makenzie Harvey.

Chacon who remains in custody on $1 million bail has been ordered by Judge Joan Weber to stand trial on April 27.

Sunset Bandit Suspect to Stand Trial, San Diego 6 The CW, January 19, 2010

Sunset Bandit’s’ trial begins, San Diego News Network, January 14, 2010

Continue reading "North San Diego County Suspected “Sunset Bandit” Has Enough Evidence to Stand Trial" »

A San Diego area Clairemont Vons security guard sustained life threatening stab wounds while he apprehended a suspected shoplifter at the grocery store on Friday.

The San Diego stabbing occurred at the Vons grocery store in Clairemont in the 5500 Block of Balboa Avenue about 9:00 p.m. while a security guard held the suspected thief for shoplifting. The suspected shoplifter fled the scene after the assault.

The attacker who fled to a nearby apartment building is said to be an Asian man in his twenties, wearing a cut-off tee shirt and black shorts and barefoot.

The Clairemont security guard was transported to San Diego’s Sharp Memorial Hospital where his injuries could be fatal.

Shoplifting Suspect Stabs Vons Security Guard, San Diego 6 The CW, October 24, 2009

Continue reading "San Diego Von’s Security Guard Stabbed in Clairemont" »

In San Diego, a woman from Mira Mesa who stole almost $5000.00 of personal property from lockers at a Santee 24 Hour Fitness Center was sentenced to a three year prison term.

While pretending to be working out at the Santee gym, 36 year-old Tina Waider used a homemade mechanism to open the lockers of others and pilfer their belongings. After being arrested for stealing almost $5000 of stolen property, the thief pled guilty to four counts of grand theft and one count of burglary and ordered to pay back $4800.00 to her victims at an earlier hearing in front of Judge Allan Preckel.

Some of the stolen items were a watch that was valued at $1600.00 and a purse that held approximately $400.00 worth of goods. After a search was made at the thief’s home other stolen items were found, including high end clothes, jewelry, make-up and gift cards.

Tuesday a judge sentenced Waider to spend three years in prison for the Santee theft crimes.

Woman Sentenced For Santee Gym Locker Thefts, 10News.com, October 20,2009

Prison Time for Woman Who Stole from Gym Lockers, San Diego 6 The CW, October 20, 2009

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In Escondido, a man who was suspected of robbing his ex-girlfriends apartment and steeling her possessions was taken into custody on Monday, according to police.

The Escondido burglary occurred just before 9:30 a.m. in the 1500 block of East Grand Avenue, when 25 year-old Kenneth Saunico broke into his ex-girlfriends apartment window while she was taking a shower, according to Lt. Michael Loarie.

The suspected robber was leaving the residence when the ex-girlfriend spotted him with some of her belongings as she was leaving the bathroom. Police police were called for this Escondido theft crime and shortly after officers saw the suspected thief in his car driving nearby the apartment.

The patrol officers arrested Saunico on suspicion of residential burglary. They found possessions belonging to the victim inside the suspected robber’s car.

Escondido Man Arrested for Stealing Ex-Girlfriend's Stuff, San Diego 6 The CW, October 19,2009

ESCONDIDO: Police say burglar broke into ex-girlfriend's apartment, North County Times, October 20,2009

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A Carlsbad home invasion robbery ends with two gunmen arrested and taken to jail on suspicion of felony armed robbery.

The Carlsbad robbery occurred about 8:20 p.m. on Wednesday in the 7200 block of San Benito, when two armed men, 27 year-old Francisco Bonillas, and 28 year-old Robert Amador broke into the home of a couple and were later arrested by police, according to Carlsbad police Sergeant Steve Thomas.

The thieves escaped with the stolen goods in a four door white Mitsubishi. Police soon recognized the Mitsubishi on eastbound 78 and was able to make the vehicle come to a halt at San Marcos Blvd. and Grand Avenue.

Amador tried to escape but, was later caught by police. Bonilla gave himself up right away. Police found the weapons and the Carlsbad couples stolen property inside the car. The suspects were taken into custody where they were booked on suspicion of felony armed robbery at the Vista Detention Facility.

Two Arrested for Carlsbad Home Invasion Armed Robbery, San Diego 6 The CW, September 24, 2009

CARLSBAD: Police capture suspects following Carlsbad Burglary, North County Times, September 24, 2009

Continue reading "In Carlsbad Two Men Are in Custody After Home Invasion Robbery" »

A principal of an Oceanside Elementary school who allegedly stole $50,000 over four years from the Oceanside School District and the PTA, pleads not guilty to ten felony counts.

After being charged on August 28 for allegedly steeling $50,000 from the Oceanside Unified School District and the PTA, Paulette Dastrup Thompson pled not guilty to nine counts of grand theft and one count of identity theft during her arraignment on Tuesday in front of Judge David Szumowski.

In February, Thompson took a leave of absence from her position at Reynolds Elementary School after an investigation took place regarding the missing funds. The school district brought the information to the police who then turned over the case to the District Attorney’s Office.

The 59 year-old defendant remains out of custody on her own recognizance. If convicted she could be facing probation to nine years in state prison for the grand theft felony charges, according to Deputy District Attorney Robert Eichler. A November 3rd readiness conference has been set and a December 1st preliminary hearing has been scheduled by Judge Szumowski.

Oceanside Principal Pleads Not Guilty To Grand Theft, 10News.com, September 22,2009

Principal Accused of Stealing $50,000 from School, San Diego 6 The CW, September 22, 2009

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A La Jolla Bank was robbed on Saturday by an elderly man on an oxygen tank who escaped on foot and fled from police with the money.

The La Jolla robbery suspect walked into the San Diego National Bank shortly after 10:00 a.m. in the 7800 block of Ivanhoe Avenue and approached a bank teller with a demand note. The teller gave the elderly man who had tubes leading up his nose from the oxygen tank he was carrying, an undisclosed amount of money, said San Diego police Sergeant Ray Battrick.

The 6 foot 6, white haired robbery suspect appears to be in his 70’s or 80’s, with a grey mustache and wearing glasses. He was sporting a white beret and a brown jacket over an argyle sweater, according to the FBI’s description.

It was not known if the La Jolla Bank thief was carrying a deadly weapon during the La Jolla theft crime. He fled the bank on foot with an undetermined amount of cash.

Elderly man with oxygen tank robs La Jolla bank, KFMB News 8, September 13, 2009

Elderly Bank Robber on Oxygen Gets Away on Foot, San Diego 6 The CW, September 13, 2009

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http://www.sandiegolawcenter.com/lawyer-attorney-1239588.htmlA San Diego Dental office manager, who pled guilty to four felony charges today, now awaits sentencing.

Emily Marie Forbes, 48 of Paradise Hills pleaded guilty to felony burglary charges, identity theft and financial abuse, stealing checks from patients some who were 65 and older, using their personal information to open up false credit accounts, and stealing over $70,000 from their bank accounts over the past several years.

Forbes worked at five dental offices in San Diego, Chula Vista and El Cajon. She was employed by Scripps Ranch Family Dentistry at the time of her arrest on August 18 for the San Diego theft crime.

On Oct 1, Forbes will begin her prison sentence of five years and four months. It was recommended that her prison term be served in the Department of Corrections drug rehabilitation program.

Dental office manager pleads guilty to stealing over $70K from patients, KFMB News 8, September 1,2009

Continue reading "San Diego Dental Office Manager Awaits Sentencing After Pleading Guilty to Theft Charges" »

A jewelry store in San Marcos was robbed on Thursday; the thieves are still at large.

The San Marcos robbery happened shortly after 3:00 p.m. at the Jewelry and Repair Center at 311 Pleasant Way when the would be thief inquired about a pair of earrings, according to San Diego sheriff’s Sgt. Robert Jennings.

Soon after, the robber’s two accomplices entered the jewelry store; the first robber took out a handgun and forced a woman patron on to the floor while the other two thieves stole jewelry, diamonds and gold, putting the stolen items into plastic garbage bags

The three robbery suspects who got away were of Hispanic decent. They were said to be in their late twenties or thirties with an average build.

The stolen items that were reported from this San Marcos theft crime were diamonds, gold, jewelry, an undisclosed amount of money, personal checks and a cell phone.

3 Sought In San Marcos Jewelry Store Robbery, 10News.com,August 28,2009

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A San Diego home invasion robbery leaves a man in critical condition after being hit in the face with a pistol and a 10 lb dumbbell, said police.

The incident happened on Thursday around 11:00 p.m. in the garage in the 7100 block of Jacmar Avenue, according to San Diego police Officer Brad Ruff. The theft crime may have been a gang related drug crime, since there was marijuana and other drug paraphernalia found at the home.

Three men were apparently in the garage with the door open when a truck drove by very slowly with two men inside. The men in the garage closed the door, a little while later the suspects wearing black hoodies returned with a gun and demanded money from the men in the garage.

A 25 year-old man was taken to the hospital where he remains in critical condition after being hit in the face with a dumbbell and pistol whipped. The suspects ran away.

Victim Critically Injured During Home Invasion, San Diego 6 The CW, August 7, 2009

Continue reading "San Diego Home Home Invasion Robbery Leaves Victim in Critical Condition" »

An El Cajon bank robbery took place Tuesday in the city of El Cajon by a sunglass and baseball cap wearing bandit, according to police.

The El Cajon Wells Fargo Bank branch in the 1200 block of Avocado Avenue was robbed around 10:45 a.m. According to Lt. Jim Redman, the bank teller gave an undisclosed amount of cash to the suspected robber after receiving a demand note from the thief.

The five foot seven inch robbery suspect who appeared to be in his forties fled on foot with his black duffle bag filled with the loot. Officers were unable to catch the thief of this El Cajon Robbery, even with the help from a sheriff’s helicopter.

According to witnesses the suspect of this San Diego crime has dark hair, a thin build and was wearing sunglasses, a white baseball cap, blue shirt and beige shorts.

Bandit Robs East County Wells Fargo Bank, 10news.com, July 21, 2009

Continue reading "El Cajon Bank Robbed by Thief Wearing Baseball Cap" »

In Oceanside a teen is accused of attacking a patrolman while the officer was arresting him for suspicion of burglary of a car in a North County.

The 17 year-old teen and another boy were caught by the owner of the vandalized vehicle about 12:45 a.m. while they were stealing items from her car in the 700 block of Mosaic Circle in Oceanside.

Police officers were called, and as they were arriving the two thieves ran away. A patrolman caught up with one of the suspected burglars and ordered him to stop, just then the youth “took up a fight stance,” according to Sgt. Kelan Poorman, and tried to punch the arresting officer several times before attempting to reach for a steak knife that was in his sock. The patrolman was able to subdue him while the other teen got away.

The victim who was able to retrieve some of her stolen items identified the suspected thief. Officers also found items that were thought to have been stolen from two previous car burglaries.

Officers arrested the teen for the theft crime and booked him into San Diego juvenile hall where he is held on suspicion of burglary, attempted assault on an officer, carrying a concealed weapon and possession of stolen property.

Teen Burglary Suspect Attacks Cop During Arrest, San Diego 6 The CW,July 20, 2009

Continue reading "Oceanside Car Burglary Suspect Accused of Attacking Officer During Arrest" »

A bank in the Rancho Bernardo area of San Diego was robbed Thursday, the suspected bank robbers led police on a chase that ended when San Diego police caught the two men fleeing on foot after jumping out of their car.

The San Diego theft crime occurred at the Rancho Bernardo branch of the U.S. Bank when the robber demanded money from the bank teller, according to police.

The thief escaped into a Jeep Cherokee getaway car driven by his accomplice with his undisclosed loot and fled onto the freeway. Officers got into a high speed chase shortly after seeing the SUV on State Route 163.

The SUV exited the freeway and led police through city streets before running over a spike strip that flattened their tires on Broadway and Buena Vista Avenue in Lemon Grove.

The suspected thieves then fled on foot but officers subdued them. The two men were arrested and taken into custody.

Bank Robbery Suspects Nabbed After High Speed Chase, San Diego 6 The CW, June 25, 2009

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A La Mesa Pick Up Stix restaurant manager was robbed at gunpoint when he was leaving the restaurant in his car to make a cash deposit, according to a San Diego police lieutenant.

The San Diego crime took place around 9:00am at 8025 Fletcher Parkway on Monday . The manager was about to leave the restaurant parking lot when a car, which was said to be a grey or silver Volkswagen Passat pulled in behind him and stopped, La Mesa police Lt. David Bond said.

The La Mesa robbery suspect then pointed a semi-automatic gun at the restaurant manager and demanded the cash that was in a bank deposit bag he was holding. The thief also wanted the keys to his car.

The victim of this theft crime not hurt. The bandit drove off with a male passenger and an undisclosed amount of cash. He was described as a 30 year-old man of Latin decent, shaved head and goatee. He was wearing a striped green and red polo shirt.

Restaurant Manager Robbed While Leaving with Receipts,San Diego 6 The CW, June 15, 2009

Continue reading "La Mesa Restaurant Manager Robbed at Gunpoint In His Car" »

A man who had just robbed a convenience market in San Diego’s El Cajon, and hid in a trash receptacle was found by police and taken into custody along with his getaway driver, according to a sheriff’s sergeant.

Just before 1:00pm on Sunday at 981 Greenfield Drive in El Cajon, a Quick Corner Market was held up by a man holding a gun and asking for money, said San Diego County Sheriff’s Sgt. Russell Shimmin.

The thief then escaped into his getaway car with an undisclosed amount of money. The Quick Corner cashier immediately called 911 and gave a detailed description of the suspected thief and his getaway car: a white Ford Explorer.

A sheriff’s deputy saw the vehicle near the 1000 block of Broadway when the white Explorer stopped and the robbery suspect escaped on foot to a nearby dumpster where he was hiding. The driver of the getaway car was immediately arrested.

The robber was found hiding in the dumpster by a K9 dog and arrested.

Alleged Robber Caught Hiding In Dumpster, San Diego News10.com, June 8, 2009

Deputies: Robber caught & cash recovered, Sign on San Diego, June 7, 2009

Continue reading "Suspect is Caught in Dumpster After Robbing Market in El Cajon" »

In San Diego a man pleaded guilty to robbery and evading police Thursday after being suspected of robbing four banks and leading police on chase.

Thomas Edward Lavalle, 61, pleaded guilty to five felony counts of robbery for robbing four banks in Encinitas, Escondido, Fallbrook and Carmel Mountain Ranch, reckless driving while evading police, two counts of possessing a concealed weapon and carrying a loaded gun..

After robbing a Bank of America on Carmel Mountain Road, Lavalle led police on a high speed car chase that lasted about 40 minutes before a CHP patrol car bumped into Lavalle’s Honda Civic which caused his vehicle to spin out of control on the ramp of the 163. No one was injured.

If convicted the robber could be facing six years and eight months in prison. Sentencing is scheduled on July 16, by Judge David Danielsen at the San Diego Superior Court.

Man pleads guilty to bank robberies, Sign on San Diego, June 4, 2009

Man Pleads Guilty To North County Bank Robberies, 10 News.com, June 4, 2009

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A San Diego woman who was caught stealing items from a locker room at a popular fitness club was taken into custody on Wednesday; bail is set at $65,000, according to the Sheriff’s Department.

The 36 year-old woman was working out at the Santee 24 Hour Fitness when she was arrested on theft charges. Police found her gym bag filled with stolen items that belonged to the members of the club. A $1,600 watch and a purse with $400 in cash were some of the items found in the bag. The thief devised a way to break into the lockers, while the members were working out.

More stolen goods, including jewelry, purses, expensive new clothes, and gift cards were found in the woman’s car and also at her home in Mira Mesa. The items were estimated to be about $20,000 in value.

The unidentified woman was brought to Las Colinas jail where she was booked on grand theft and possession of stolen property and suspicion of burglary.

Woman suspected of stealing from club lockers, Sign on San Diego, May 14, 2009

Continue reading "San Diego Woman Arrested on Suspicion of Stealing From Fitness Center" »

San Diego police arrested an East County man Tuesday in connection with several ice cream and yogurt shop robberies.

Jamel Powers, 24, was arrested at his home in El Cajon for a theft crime spree involving several ice cream and frozen yogurt stores. He has been dubbed as the “Ain’t No Joke Bandit by police.

According to Police, Powers would disguise himself as a college professor wanting to interview the managers of the stores. Once he was able to see the managers, he would tell them it was a robbery and then say “It ain’t no joke.”

“Once he arrived at the restaurant and conducted an interview with the manager, he would tell them it was a robbery and that persons outside would come in if they didn’t cooperate,” said SDPD Sgt. Corey Chesebrough.

Powers was taken into custody by San Diego police, and was booked on suspicion of eight counts of commercial burglary.

Man Accused In Dessert Shop Robbery Series Arrested, San Diego News10.com, May 13, 2009

Continue reading "East San Diego County Man Arrested on Suspicion of Robbing Dessert Shops" »

According to San Diego’s Regional Auto Theft Task Force a total of 5200 fewer vehicles have been stolen in 2008. Car theft is down 24 percent, truck theft is down 14 percent and motorcycle theft is 20 percent. This is a dramatic drop in vehicle theft, said law enforcement. “It makes me feel good that what we are doing on law enforcement and the regional task force is really working,” said Capt. Lisa Wrobel. San Diego detectives are infiltrating a number of car theft rings and repeat car thieves are being kept in prison longer because of stronger prosecution. “We have some district attorneys that prosecute these people to the fullest extent,” said Capt. Wrobel. Recovering stolen vehicles continues to be one of San Diego’s biggest issues because “We are so close to the international border,” said Capt. Wrobel. One reason car thefts are down is because of the recession, according to detectives. More people are parking in safer areas, guarding their property, locking their cars and not leaving their keys in the car. San Diego County Vehicle Thefts Drop By 19 Percent, KFMB News 8, April 27, 2009

Continue reading "Vehicle Thefts in San Diego County Down 19 Percent" »

In San Diego last night a man who said he had a gun and accomplices waiting for him, robbed two frozen yogurt shops and an ice cream store within 90 minutes of each other, said San Diego Police.

Around 10:00p.m. The first robbery occurred at the Cold Stone Creamery on Westview Parkway off Mire Mesa Boulevard.

The second robbery was reported about 10:20 p.m. at the Pinkberry yogurt shop at 3795 Fourth Avenue in the Hillcrest area.

The last theft crime happened just after 11:30 p.m. at the Tutti –Frutti yogurt shop on Villa La Jolla Drive in La Jolla. According to police, customers entered the yogurt shop while the robbery was happening and the thief ordered the clerks to serve the patrons while he waited.

Witnesses describe the thieves in all three robberies as black men who appear to be in their 20’s, between 5 feet 6 and 6 feet tall, about 200-250 pounds wearing a black doo rag and blue jeans. The man in the third robbery was described as having his hair in cornrows.

Police said that no one was injured in the robberies. An undisclosed amount of cash was stolen from the crime scenes.

Serial Robber Hits Yogurt & Ice Cream Shops, San Diego 6 The CW, April 6, 2009

Sweet-tooth robbers hit yogurt, ice cream shops, Sign on San Diego, April 6, 2009

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A foster mother from South Bay is accused of steeling donated toys she collected for needy children, pleaded not guilty to grand theft and embezzlement charges.

Virginia Prieto Kelly, 73, was taken into custody and released on her own recognizance, while her two disabled foster children were taken away from her by Child Welfare Services. According to her criminal defense attorney, she had committed no crime and the donated toys had just accumulated over time.

Kelly who is the president of the Latino Foster Parent Association is accused of selling more than 11,000 toys she had stored in three locations. She would sell the toys at garage sales or would find others to sell them for her.

“She kept many of the toys for herself,” said Deputy District Attorney Chris Ryan. “Not only did she keep the toys but she enlisted the help of people to sell the toys.” Many of the toys came from Toys for Tots and other charities, said Ryan.

“Steeling from a charity and depriving needy children in San Diego of the chance to get a new toy is despicable,” said District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis.” This criminal investigation has identified someone who brazenly took advantage of the community’s goodwill and trust for many years.”

Kelly’s criminal defense attorney said that she was one of the most active volunteers in San Diego, whose “humanitarian efforts” garnered national awards and there was no evidence to support the criminal allegations.

A readiness conference is scheduled for May 14th. If Kelly is convicted she could be facing up to 4 years in prison.

Thousands Of 'Toys For Tots' Stolen, Sold By San Ysidro Woman, Officials Say, KFMB News 8, April 2, 2009

Elderly Foster Mom Accused of Stealing Thousands of Toys, San Diego 6 The CW, April 2, 2009

Continue reading "San Diego South Bay Woman Accused of Steeling Thousands of “Toys For Tots” " »

East San Diego County Convenience Store Burglarized by Teens Who Led Police on Chase

Two teenagers led police on a chase in a stolen getaway car after being suspected of steeling a can of beer from an East County 7-Eleven convenience store. The suspects ended up crashing their vehicle before being arrested by police.

The petty theft occurred shortly after 12:30pm on Paradise Valley Road and South Washington Street in Spring Valley according to Sgt. Greg Hampton.

The driver of the getaway car led police on a chase that ended when the suspect lost control of his vehicle, ran up an embankment and overturned after running “numerous” stop signs and red lights.

Police arrested the driver. The passenger fled the scene but was arrested a short distance away.

The petty thieves, who are minors, have outstanding warrants for their arrest. They were taken to Sharp memorial Hospital where they were treated and evaluated and then police booked them into juvenile hall. The minors could be facing charges of evading police, theft crimes, and grand theft auto.

Teens Lead Wild Road Chase Before Crash, Arrests In Spring Valley, KFMB News 8, March 26,2009

Continue reading "East San Diego County Convenience Store Burglarized by Teens Who Led Police on Chase " »

A bank in La Jolla was robbed today by two men carrying what was thought to be semiautomatic weapons. Police are now searching for the thieves.

According to San Diego police, the robbery took place around 10:00 a.m. today, when two gunmen entered a Wachovia Bank office on Torrey Pines Road in La Jolla and demanded cash from a bank teller.

The bank robbers were described to be around 20to 30 years old. They were wearing black hooded jackets and carrying guns when the theft crime was committed. The robbery suspects got away with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Witnesses say the thieves left in an older, possibly silver car. Police are still searching for the bandits.

La Jolla Bank Held Up, San Diego 6 The CW, March 25, 2009

Police Search For La Jolla Bank Robbers, 10News.com, March 25,2009

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A man in his 20’s was robbed and assaulted by three men and two women at his home in Rancho Penesquitos Saturday evening. They also tried to kidnap him but the victim escaped. Four of the five robbers were caught by police when their getaway car crashed.

The robbers entered the house of the unidentified victim while he was home through an unlocked sliding glass door, according to San Diego police Sgt. Bob Dare.

The victim was taken into his backyard by one of the robbers who stole his wallet, cash, cell phone and then hit him a number of times. The five suspects thought that the man had stolen jewelry from a party earlier in the week, said Dare.

The thieves forced the man out of his house and tried to get him into their car to kidnap him but he escaped by grabbing on to another passing car and was dragged before falling off.

The group of robbers crashed their car into another vehicle after running a red light at Stargaze Avenue and Black Mountain Road. According to Sgt. Dare, 4 of the 5 suspects were arrested while running from the car. The fifth suspect got away but left his identification in the back seat of the car. Authorities are tracking him down.

Man Jumps Onto Moving Car To Escape Abductors, 10News.com, March 22, 2009

Continue reading "San Diego Man Assaulted and Robbed by Five Suspects at His Home" »

A Girl Scout Volunteer bookkeeper for 44 North County troops was sentenced to spend 30 days in jail and 3 years of probation for embezzling about $13,000 over a period of 18 months.

On January 8th she had pleaded guilty to one count of felony grand theft.

Janet Daily, 36, had been in charge of the bank accounts for 44 Girl Scout troops in the Solana Beach and Rancho Santa Fe area for seven years.

The defendant told police she had financial difficulties and she was going to pay it back.

She tried to pay back some of the stolen money after she was caught, but she still owed the Girl Scouts $5958 when she entered her guilty plea, according to District Attorney Kate Flaherty.

Last November after Daily announced she was moving out of state, coordinators discovered thousands of dollars missing. She was arrested by police and admitted to steeling from the Girl Scouts.

In court yesterday, the former bookkeeper had a check for $5458 and said she would pay back the remaining $500 she still owed.

Daily is now in jail serving her 30 day sentence.

Ex-bookkeeper who stole from Scouts gets 30 days, Sign on San Diego, March 17,2009

Girl Scout Bookkeeper Pleads Guilty To Embezzlement Charges, KFMB News 8, March 16, 2009

Continue reading "North County San Diego Girl Scout Bookkeeper Sentenced " »

After a San Diego, Carmel Mountain Ranch area bank was robbeed, the suspected bank robber led police on a wild chase that lasted 45 minutes. Police were finally able to force the suspect to stop and take him into custody.

Thomas Lavalle, 61, was arrested after robbing a Bank of America branch in Carmel Mountain.

The suspected bank robber was driving erratically in a silver Honda Civic when he sped through stop signs in neighborhoods of Carmel Mountain Ranch and Rancho Penesquitos. He then led police on a chase throughout several different freeways while topping 100mph and driving on the wrong side of the road at times.

Lavalle was finally arrested by San Diego Police about 6:55 pm when he ran over a tire-flattening spike that eventually shredded his tires and made him stop.

According to police Lavalle is a convicted felon who has lived in many areas of San Diego and all over the country.

Lavelle is facing robbery charges, evading police, carrying a loaded gun in public and being a felon in possession of a concealed weapon. His bail is set at $1 million dollars.

Robberies are the most serious of all theft crimes. Robberies is divided into First or second Degree. If two or more persons are charged with First degree Robbery, the punishment can be 3, 6, or 9 years in state prison.

The amount of time increases significantly if a weapon or firearm is used in a robbery.
All robberies, regardless of degree are “Strikes under California Three Strikes Law.

Wild, Wrong-Way Pursuit Ends In Arrest Of Bank Robbery Suspect, 10 News.com, March 13, 2009

Suspected Bank Robber Held On $1 Million Bail, News 10.com, March 16,2009

Continue reading "San Diego Suspected Bank Robber Leads Police on Chase" »

An acquittal verdict of voluntary manslaughter for a Jamul contractor who killed a man and injured another after thinking they were on his property to steel copper wiring.

Joseph “Bob” Orlosky testified in court that he fired gun shots at a Jeep that was carring Charles Crow, Hector Monget and David Hurley Jr. after he heard gunshots and was almost run over.

In the incident Crow, 23, was killed and Monget, 29 was injured. Hurley was not hurt.

The jury took almost 2 ½ days to reach their verdict of not guilty in the retrial of Orlosky. He was acquitted of murder last year by a different jury.

Orlonsky, 57, married and father of four is a heavy equipment contractor who stores his equipment on his property. He has had a series of copper thefts before the shooting. Two weeks before this incident, he held three thieves at gunpoint on his property until sheriffs arrived and arrested them. They were later convicted, said Pfingst.

“This was a very clear example of a property owner who confronted people who were there to steal, and he took defensive measures,” according to defense attorney Paul Pfingst.

Jamul Contractor Acquitted of Manslaughter Charges in Killing on Property, San Diego 6 the CW, March 6,2009

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A bookkeeper for a San Diego North County custom woodworks company was arrested for suspicion of embezzling $9.9 million.

The theft crime took place over a seven year period. Annette Yeomans, 51, turned herself into law enforcement and was booked into Vista Detention Center. Her bail was set at $10 million, said Sergeant Mark Varnau of the sheriffs Financial Crime Unit.

Yeomans employer, Quality Woodworks Inc. was notified by a credit card company about many company checks that were deposited into Yeomans account.

After investigations were made by the sheriffs department, it was noted that Yeomans would spend $25,000 on her credit card and then take a company check to pay off the balance the following Monday.

The suspect used the alleged stolen money for luxury vehicles, shopping trips to Italy, designer clothes, shoes and purses, home remodeling. She also gambled heavily at local casinos, where she had substantial losses.

“Clearly, due to her position of trust, Yeomans was able to conceal her crimes for an extended period of time,” Varnau said.

Bookkeeper Held For Allegedly Embezzling Millions, 10 News.com, March 6, 2009

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Two men wearing masks that held up a Sushi Restaurant in Clairemont yesterday are still on the loose.

According to San Diego police Sergeant Alan Hayward, the robbers were armed with a semi automatic handgun when they entered Sake Sushi. The robbery happened at 5430 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard on Wednesday around 9:45am.

The robbers, two white males in their 20’s ordered the customers of the restaurant to get down on the floor. They took cash from the register and a woman’s purse before fleeing the scene.

The thieves took off in a stolen red Honda Element after committing the crime. The Honda was later found abandoned at 5300 Conrad Street, Sgt. Hayward said.

Police said one of the robbers was about 5 feet 3, and the other was about 5 feet 2. Both were wearing sunglasses and masks, while one of the men was seen holding a silver semi-automatic handgun.

Robberies are one of the most serious of theft offenses. When 2 or more people are involved in the robbery and are charged with First Degree Robbery, the punishment is 3,6, or 9 years in state prison.

If a firearm or weapon is used in the commission of the robbery, the amount of prison time served increases substantially.

In the state of California Three Strikes Law, all robberies regardless of degree constitute as “strikes.”

Clairemont Sushi Restaurant Robbers On Loose, San Diego News 10, March 5, 2009

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Two “hot prowl” residential burglaries have neighborhoods in Oceanside on the lookout, according to Oceanside police.

The crimes are committed when there is at least one resident at home when the intruder breaks into the house. The break-ins occurred in the northeastern area of Oceanside Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning on Via Malaguena and Manteca Drive.

According to Sergeant Kelan Poorman, the burglar got into the home through an open window or an unlocked door. It was not disclosed what might have been taken from the properties.

Police are warning residents about the theft crimes, to lock their doors and windows and keep some lights on in their yards at night. The burglary suspects are still on the loose.

Oceanside Police Warn Of 'Hot Prowl' Burglaries, San Diego News 10, March 4, 2009

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A bank who robber fled on the back of a motorcycle driven by an accomplice, robbed a Kearny Mesa Union Bank on Monday.

The 200 lb 6- foot 2-inch thief who was wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses when he handed a bank teller at the Union Bank of California a demand note. The robbery occured about 3:30pm at the branch office located in the 7700 block of Clairemont Mesa Boulevard according to San Diego police.

The bank teller handed the thief who appeared to be in his 20’s an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect exited the bank and proceeded to Convoy Street where another man waited on a black motorcycle, said San Diego Police Department Seargent Art Campa.

Robberies are the most serious of all theft crimes. Robberies is divided into First or second Degree. If two or more persons are charged with First degree Robbery, the punishment can be 3, 6, or 9 years in state prison.

The amount of time increases significantly if a weapon or firearm is used in a robbery.
All robberies, regardless of degree are “Strikes" under California Three Strikes Law.

Kearny Mesa Union Bank Robbed, San Diego New 6 The CW, February 23, 2009

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Earlier this month the San Diego police have warned residents in the Granite Hills area of residential burglaries that have taken place over the last three months.

There have been 15 homes that have either been victims to attempted burglary
or have been broken into on Mahogany Drive and Spanish Oak Place since last October.

According to the El Cajon Police Department the crimes that were committed have been when the residents were actually at home. Most of the victims that were at home when the robberies occurred didn’t even know it at the time. They heard strange noises and sounds but thought they were harmless.

Most of the crimes committed were theft crimes. Purses, wallets, cell phones, lap top computers were some of the stolen items.

Another area with a surge in neighborhood crime is in San Marcos, near Palomar Community College. In a one-mile radius in the past 3 months there have been 19 cars stolen or broken into with windows smashed, and 12 acts of vandalism according to the news 8 Crimefighters.

A resident said “It’s gotten to the point where we have to put up numerous cameras connected to TVs and the motion sensor lights that are bright and shiny.”

Police Warn Of Granite Hills-Area Robbery Series, 10News.com

Crimetracker Maps Car Thefts & Vandalism In San Marcos, KFMB News 8

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According to Linda Foley, co-executive director of the Identity Theft Resource Center in San Diego, identity theft against children is underreported. "If it happens to a child by a family member, we're not going to hear about until they reach 18, 19 years old, and start to apply for credit themselves,” she says.

Because credit issuers do not have a way to verify the age of someone applying for a credit card, it’s relatively easy for a family member who has wrecked their own credit to apply for a fraudulent credit card in a child’s name. The crime may go undetected until the child turns 18 and starts applying for credit themselves.

The Federal Trade Commission collects data on identify theft and said that 3 percent of its identity theft complaints in 2003 relating to identity theft victims under 18. Between 2005 and 2007, that number had risen to 5 percent.

Children are easy targets for identity thieves, including family members, Dallas Morning News, January 19, 2009

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In Kensington, San Diego police arrested a man suspected of motorcycle theft. The suspect allegedly stole a motorcycle and raced in south on Interstate 5 on last Tuesday night at speeds of more than 100 mph.

While investigating the motorcycle theft, an officer attempted to pull over the suspect near Poway Road. Instead, the rider sped up and swerved between lanes at an estimated speed of 90-110 mph. For safety reasons, the officer backed off.

However, a police helicopter crew followed the motorcyclist to Adams Avenue exit into Kensington. The suspect parked the motorcycle on a sidewalk before running down 39th Street. He hopped fences and dashed through yards until the police reached him at an apartment complex. Police arrested the theft suspect around 11:25pm.

Police catch motorcycle theft suspect, San Diego Union-Tribune, November 25, 2008

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San Diego Police are attempting to locate the man who stole the identity of a 76-year-old, making almost $5,000 in fraudulent purchases. The identity thief is believed to have opened a credit card account in the victim’s name at a La Mesa Wal-Mart on September 25. His purchases totaled more than $1,700, including a computer, a ring, and a 50-inch flat screen TV.

Police believe that the same man opened an account at the Mission Valley IKEA purchased $3,000 worth of merchandise. The man was captured on a surveillance-camera tape during his trip to Wal-Mart. Police describe the suspect as a Caucasian in his early 30s, medium height and build with a bleached-blond Mohawk.

Any members of the public with information on this identity theft suspect are asked to call San Diego police at 619-531-2545 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.

Public's help sought in identity-theft case, San Diego Union-Tribune, November 22, 2008

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In San Diego, California, the Sheriff’s deputies are on the hunt for an inmate who was mistakenly released from a San Diego County jail.

The inmate, 50-year old Tuan Tran, also known as Kevin Nguyen, reportedly switched wristbands with another Otay Mesa jail inmate who was about to be bailed out of custody. Tran was released in the other inmate’s place in October, and the mix-up was discovered a few hours later when the other inmate’s mother called to ask about her son’s release from jail.

The Sheriff’s office says that Tran has been at large for several weeks, and he is believed to still be in the San Diego area. He was serving time for burglary and fraud; however, authorities do not believe that he is a threat. The search continues for Tran, who is described as a Vietnamese male around 5 feet 5 inches and 140 pounds.

Inmate Pulls a Switch on Jailers, Escapes, SanDiego6.com, November 18, 2008

Sheriff's Deputies Hunt Prison Escapee, 10News.com, November 17, 2008

Inmate mistakenly released from San Diego jail, MercuryNews.com, October 31, 2008

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San Diego sheriff’s officials say that three people are suspected in 24 residential, commercial break-ins and about 50 motor vehicle break-ins in San Diego County. The burglary ring is known as “Tats in Hats” because of their tattoos and the hats they wear to disguise their faces.

The trio believed to be involved in the burglary ring has resurfaced in Howell, Michigan. Police there say that Robert Alan Keyes, 32, of California, broke into cars parked outside a school in early October. Keyes and two co-defendants allegedly used stolen credit cards at area hotels, pharmacies, and gas stations.

Keyes waived his preliminary exam last week, sending to circuit charges that he stole personal items from cars in the area. He is charged with larceny from a building, breaking and entering to steal property, and two counts of stealing a financial transaction device.

California man, two others charged in Genoa Township auto break-ins, Lansing State Journal, November 6, 2008

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Even more entertaining than reading about a celebrity crime is reading the lame excuses that celebrities give after they get busted. truTV rounded up some doozies. Here are a few of our faves.

Shelley Morrison, famous of playing Karen’s straight-talking maid Rosario on “Will & Grace,” was caught stealing jewelry from a department store. According to Morrison, “sometimes the mind has a mini earthquake.” Minor earthquake? We’re curious what constitutes a major earthquake of the mind.

When film actress Winona Ryder was caught stealing $5,560 worth of goods from Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills, California, she tried a different tactic. After denying her role in the store theft, she later claimed, “my director directed me to shoplift for a role I was preparing.” Hmm… a likely story.

Police found Gary Dourdan, former star of “CSI,” asleep at the wheel of his car after the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California. When questioned about the cocaine, ecstasy, and heroin discovered in his car, Dourdan said the drugs weren’t his. One would think that someone who appeared on a TV crime investigator show would know better…

Lamest Celebrity Excuses, truTV.com

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The San Diego Union-Tribune recently reported on a burglary in La Mesa, California. Police arrested a 20-year-old suspect and distributed photos of a second burglary suspect who escaped during a police chase. They have identified the second burglary suspect as Michael Eugene Perez, also 20, of San Diego.

The robbery occurred at a residence on Wellesley Street East around mid-day last Friday. A man called the police from his garage saying there were burglars in his home. Minutes later the police arrived and confronted a man who was leaving out of the rear door of the La Mesa home. Police spotted a second man on the side of the house. Both men fled the scene.

Police arrested one suspect in the Strawberry Hill condominium complex on Baltimore Drive. He was booked on suspicion of burglary, grand theft, vandalism, and resisting arrest.

One arrested in La Mesa burglary; one sought, SignonSanDiego.com, September 12, 2008

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For the past three years, Secret Service agents based in San Diego, California have been using the Internet to communicate with identity thieves. Last month, they managed close in on what federal officials are calling the largest identity-theft ring ever busted.

Local United States Attorney Karen Hewitt said that the investigation started locally in San Diego and spread across the country, then around the world. Three U.S. citizens are charged, as well as citizens from Estonia, Belarus, China, and the Ukraine.

The financial scope of this massive theft ring is still unknown; however, officials estimate that over 40 million credit and debit card numbers were stolen from some of the country’s most popular retail chains, including BJ’s Wholesale Club and OfficeMax.

Thieve stole some of the debit and credit card information online and used some of the cards themselves. One of the websites operated by the ID theft ring also advertised child pornography, counterfeit cash, and passports and money laundering. Eight people in San Diego are charged with selling the stolen card numbers online.

S.D. agents help bust massive ID-theft ring, SignOnSanDiego.com, August 6, 2008

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