Earlier this month, police officers investigated a wallet theft at the Woodbury Town Center, according to the Irvine Police Department.
The stolen credit cards ended up being used at several stores at the Irvine Spectrum. That was a bad idea for the suspect as there are many video surveillance cameras at the Spectrum and the Irvine Police have licence plate trackers that can help them to identify suspect vehicles and follow them as they drive off.
The IPD’s Real Time Crime Center partnered with their detectives and identified the suspect who made the fraudulent purchases.
She was then located in Cypress, where she was ultimately arrested.
Gina Marcela Solorzanoadames, 43, from Colombia, was booked at Orange County Jail on burglary and identity theft charges.
Distraction thefts are on the rise in Southern California. Do not leave your purse in your shopping trolley. Wear a cross-body bag or leave your Hermès at home.
Here’s a summary of the possible penalties Gina Marcela Solorzanoadames could face:
She was arrested for burglary and identity theft after allegedly stealing a wallet and using stolen credit cards at stores in Irvine. These are serious charges in California.
Burglary (likely second-degree, since it happened at a commercial location) can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony:
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail
- Felony: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in jail
Identity theft is also a “wobbler” charge:
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail
- Felony: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in prison
- Fines up to $10,000
- She may also have to pay restitution to the victims
If she has prior convictions or if multiple fraudulent purchases were made, the penalties could be more severe. Immigration consequences could also apply depending on her legal status.