On August 28, police officers investigated a vehicle burglary at Bommer Canyon, according to the Irvine Police Department.
A suspect broke into a victim’s vehicle and took their credit cards and cash. The cards were then used to make fraudulent purchases at several stores at Fashion Island, which were all seen on surveillance cameras.
The IPD’s Real Time Crime Center identified a suspect vehicle and shared the information with officers and detectives.
Police officers saw the car driving near Bonita Canyon and Turtle Ridge the following day and were able to stop the vehicle.
Sebastian Monkada, 21, of Van Nuys was arrested and booked at Orange County Jail for burglary and theft of credit cards.
Sebastian Monkada, arrested for vehicle burglary and credit card theft in Irvine, faces several potential penalties under California law, especially following the 2025 updates under Senate Bill 905.
1. Vehicle Burglary (Auto Burglary)
Under California Penal Code §459 and the new §465 PC:
- Definition: Entering a locked vehicle with intent to commit theft or any felony.
- Penalty: This is a “wobbler” offense, meaning it can be charged as either:
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail.
- Felony: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in county jail.
SB 905 also removed the requirement that the vehicle be locked, simplifying prosecution and closing the “locked door loophole”.
2. Theft of Credit Cards and Fraudulent Use
If Monkada used stolen credit cards to make purchases, he could face charges under:
- Penal Code §484e–§484g (credit card theft and fraud).
- Penalties:
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail.
- Felony: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in county jail, especially if the value of fraudulent purchases exceeds $950.
3. Possession of Stolen Property for Resale (PC §496.5)
SB 905 introduced this new offense:
- Criteria: Possessing stolen property from vehicle-related thefts with intent to sell or exchange, and total value exceeds $950.
- Penalty: Also a wobbler:
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail.
- Felony: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in county jail.
Summary of Possible Sentences
If convicted of multiple felony counts, Monkada could face several years in county jail, especially if the prosecution aggregates the value of stolen goods and proves intent to resell. The exact sentence would depend on:
- The total value of stolen items.
- His criminal history.
- Whether the charges are filed as misdemeanors or felonies.