On Monday night, an K9 officer was on a paw patrol near Post and Shield when he sniffed out something shady, according to the Irvine Police Department.
A man was found tucked into the back seat of a parked car with a fake registration tab. It turns out the police officers had met him before during a previous drug arrest.
Kurtis James Dieterich, 40, of Placentia, was arrested for several outstanding warrants, including burglary, receiving stolen property, drug paraphernalia, and possession of a controlled substance.
The police officers also found more drugs stashed in his car and on him. He could not “skedaddle” his way out of this one.
The K9 officer caught a break for this one. His two-legged partner sniffed out the crime with good old-fashioned experience and intuition.
Here’s a plain-text summary of the potential penalties facing Kurtis James Dieterich, based on the charges reported and California law as of 2025:
1. Burglary
- First-degree burglary (residential): Felony, punishable by 2 to 6 years in state prison.
- Second-degree burglary (commercial): Felony or misdemeanor, punishable by up to 3 years in jail or 1 year if charged as a misdemeanor.
2. Receiving Stolen Property
- Typically a wobbler (can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony).
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail.
- Felony: Up to 3 years in state prison.
3. Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Health & Safety Code §11364)
- Misdemeanor: Up to 6 months in county jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
- May affect professional licenses and eligibility for diversion programs.
4. Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Usually a misdemeanor under Prop 47 reforms.
- Penalty: Up to 1 year in county jail and/or $1,000 fine.
- Felony charges may apply if aggravating factors exist (e.g., prior convictions, possession near schools, or intent to distribute).
5. Outstanding Warrants
- These can lead to immediate arrest and denial of bail, especially if related to felonies.
- Penalties depend on the nature of the original charges tied to the warrants.
Additional Notes
- If convicted of multiple felonies, California’s Three Strikes Law could apply, potentially increasing prison time significantly.
- Diversion programs (like Prop 36 or Deferred Entry of Judgment) may be available for drug-related charges, allowing rehab instead of jail if eligible.