In May, a suspect swiped a water backflow valve and pipe on Research Drive, according to the Irvine Police Department.
Across the country, thieves steal backflows because they are made of copper, brass, and other metals that they trade at scrap yards for cash.
Our detectives tightened the fittings on this case, identified Julio Salinas Cartagena, 40, of Westminster, and turned off his cash supply line last week, in Santa Ana.
Cartagena is suspected of being involved in other backflow thefts in Orange County. When he was arrested, he had another backflow in his car. He was booked at Orange County Jail for grand theft.
Do you have pipe dreams about stealing in Irvine? The IPD is warning you, their officers are pros at snaking out suspects and flushing crime down the drain.
Julio Salinas Cartagena is likely facing felony charges for grand theft under California law. Here’s what that means:
- Grand theft in California applies when the value of the stolen property is over $950. Since backflow valves are made of valuable metals like copper and brass, and are often worth more than that, this qualifies.
- The law allows prosecutors to charge grand theft as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances and the suspect’s criminal history.
- If charged as a misdemeanor, the maximum penalty is 1 year in county jail.
- If charged as a felony, the sentence can be 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in county jail.
- There are additional penalties for stealing metals like copper or brass, including fines up to $10,000 and possibly more jail time.
- If he’s connected to multiple thefts, the charges could be more serious, and the total value of all stolen items could be added together to increase the severity of the case.
- He was booked into Orange County Jail, which suggests the case is being treated as a felony.