A resident recently had her purse stolen by an individual she hired to help with her move to Rancho Santa Margarita, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s RSM Police Services.
Thanks to the victim’s neighbor’s surveillance video, the suspect vehicle was identified and later located in Long Beach.
Further investigation revealed this subject was associated to similar cases out of Coto De Caza & Lake Forest, and he had two outstanding felony warrants.
After a search of the suspect’s residence, he was arrested for multiple felonies in addition to the outstanding warrants.
Here are the likely penalties the suspect could face under California law (actual charges depend on what prosecutors file):
- Grand theft (PC § 487) — a “wobbler” that can be charged as a misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) or a felony (16 months, 2 years, or 3 years) when stolen property value exceeds $950, or when the theft involves an automobile or property taken from the person; fines may apply.
- Receiving stolen property (PC § 496) — also a wobbler: misdemeanor (up to 1 year in county jail) or felony (16 months, 2 years, or 3 years) plus fines (up to $10,000 for felonies).
- Burglary (PC § 459) — if he entered a home or building with intent to steal or commit a felony:
- First-degree (residential): felony 2, 4, or 6 years in state prison (and a “strike”).
- Second-degree (commercial/non‑residential): wobbler (up to 1 year misdemeanor or 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years felony).
- Identity theft (PC § 530.5) — if he possessed/used victims’ personal info connected to the thefts: wobbler (up to 1 year misdemeanor or 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years felony) plus fines.
- Outstanding felony warrants — arrest on sight; failure to appear can add separate charges and penalties (bench warrants under PC § 978.5; misdemeanor or felony failure‑to‑appear consequences).
Steps Orange County residents should take when hiring help for moving to avoid these crimes:
- Use a licensed household mover (BHGS permit / Cal‑T number) for intrastate moves; verify the license in the Bureau of Household Goods & Services (BHGS) database before hiring.
- Require a written, on‑site estimate and “Not‑to‑Exceed” price; California movers must inspect goods before giving an estimate—phone/Internet‑only estimates are illegal.
- Ask for and read the BHGS consumer booklet (“Important Information for Persons Moving Household Goods”)—movers are required to provide it and to document that you received it.
- Check insurance, bonding, and complaint history (BHGS license lookup; BBB or local reviews) and avoid companies that won’t show their permit number in ads/contracts. [bhgs.dca.ca.gov]
- Do background screening on individuals you hire directly (if not using a licensed mover): verify ID, request references, and consider a lawful background check via reputable services; ensure any worker with prior warrants/convictions is not unsupervised around valuables.
- Inventory and photograph valuables before the move; keep jewelry, cash, passports, and sensitive documents with you (not in boxes handled by workers).
- Use contracts and pay with traceable methods (no cash; use credit card) and keep copies of all documents signed at pickup and delivery.
- Supervise the job (you or a trusted person on site) and leverage neighbors’ cameras or your own video doorbell/garage cams to monitor activity around your property.
- If you suspect theft: file a police report promptly, notify the mover, and submit a written claim within nine months of delivery per BHGS rules