Last week, a vehicle burglary occurred at Doheny State Beach, and credit cards were taken, according to the Irvine Police Department.
Instead of using his Apple Pay, the suspect used the victim’s stolen credit card for a $12,000 shopping spree at the Apple store in Irvine.
The suspect is going to have a tough time hiding as the police released several very clear surveillance photos of him. He appears to be Hispanic and he decorated his neck and both arms with tattoos. He has dark hair and a goatee. He was wearing a blue t-shirt and jeans during his visit to the Apple store.
There are tons of video surveillance cameras at the Irvine Spectrum, where the Apple store is located. The Irvine Police also have installed license plate readers throughout the city. It is not likely this guy is going to be able to avoid arrest for very long.
If you recognize him, contact Detective Mena at amena@cityofirvine.org.
Based on the latest California laws as of 2025, the suspect in the Doheny State Beach vehicle burglary and subsequent $12,000 credit card fraud spree at the Apple Store in Irvine could face multiple felony charges with serious penalties:
1. Credit Card Fraud (Felony)
Under California Penal Code Sections 484e to 484j:
- Felony threshold: Fraud involving more than $950 is automatically a felony.
- Penalties:
- 16 months to 3 years in state prison.
- Fines up to $10,000.
- Restitution to the victim for the stolen amount.
- Probation or community service may be added.
- Additional consequences: Loss of employment, immigration issues (if applicable), and damage to reputation.
If the suspect is part of an organized scheme or has prior convictions, aggravated credit card fraud could apply, which carries enhanced penalties.
2. Vehicle Burglary (Felony or Misdemeanor)
Under Senate Bill 905 and Penal Code 465:
- New definition: Any unauthorized entry into a vehicle, even if unlocked, now qualifies as burglary.
- Penalties:
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail.
- Felony: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in county jail.
- Aggregated thefts over two years can be used to push charges to felony level.
3. Possession of Stolen Property for Resale (Felony)
Under Penal Code 496.5:
- If the suspect intended to resell or exchange the stolen property and its value exceeds $950, it becomes a felony.
- Penalties:
- Up to 3 years in county jail.
- Aggregation of stolen property value over two years is allowed to meet the felony threshold.
4. Organized Retail Theft (Felony)
If the suspect acted with others or used coordinated methods (e.g., planning via messaging apps), he could be charged under Penal Code 490.4:
- Penalties:
- Felony charges with longer prison sentences.
- Courts may issue retail crime protective orders, banning the suspect from stores for up to two years.
Summary of Potential Penalties
If convicted on all applicable charges, the suspect could face:
- Multiple felony convictions.
- Several years in prison (potentially 3–8 years or more depending on enhancements).
- Restitution and fines.
- Probation or parole conditions.
- Permanent criminal record, affecting employment, housing, and more.