Earlier this month, police officers investigated a theft at Ulta on Jamboree Road, according to the Irvine Police Department.
A man and woman walked in, stole about $3,200 worth of merchandise, and fled the store. Store employees recognized them from a prior theft at another Orange County store.
The Spectrum officers used the surveillance cameras to identify the vehicle the suspects fled in.
Last Wednesday, the IPD Crime Impact Unit detectives found the vehicle in Chino Hills and took the male suspect into custody. Chino Hills is located in the southwestern corner of San Bernardino County.
Andres Felipe Bruca Diaz, 24, of Chino, was arrested and booked at Orange County Jail for burglary.
Andres Felipe Bruca Diaz, arrested for stealing approximately $3,200 worth of merchandise from Ulta in Irvine, is likely facing second-degree burglary and possibly organized retail theft charges under California law. Here’s a plain-text summary of the penalties he could face:
1. Second-Degree Burglary (Commercial Burglary) – Penal Code § 459
This applies when someone enters a commercial building (like a store) with intent to commit theft or any felony.
- Classification: Wobbler (can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony)
- Felony Penalties:
- 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in county jail
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- Formal probation may be granted in some cases
- Misdemeanor Penalties:
- Up to 1 year in county jail
- Up to $1,000 in fines
- Summary probation
2. Organized Retail Theft – Penal Code § 490.4
This law targets coordinated thefts involving two or more people stealing merchandise with intent to resell or exchange.
- Classification: Wobbler
- Felony Penalties:
- 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in county jail
- Fines and restitution for stolen goods
- Possible restraining order barring entry to the store
- Misdemeanor Penalties:
- Up to 1 year in county jail
Additional Notes
- If Diaz has prior theft convictions, prosecutors are more likely to pursue felony charges.
- The court may also consider issuing a restraining order preventing Diaz from entering Ulta or similar retail stores.
- If the theft was part of a larger pattern, additional charges or sentencing enhancements could apply.