Earlier this month, both O.C. Sheriff Lake Forest Specialized Enforcement Teams (SET) wrapped up a VERY shiny shift- arresting three suspects and recovering $750,000 of stolen jewelry. That’s right… three quarters of a million dollars!
After a police radio broadcast, notifying the robbery suspects from a nearby city may be in the area, the Lake Forest deputies snapped into action, spotting the suspect vehicle on the south bound 5 freeway.
As deputies initiated a high risk traffic stop, the suspects fled the vehicle, throwing a backpack onto the hood of a nearby unit as they ran. A short foot pursuit later and three suspects were in custody.
As for that backpack? It was packed with the stolen jewelry.
Here are the likely penalties the suspects could face under California law:
- Robbery
- First-degree robbery: 3, 4, or 6 years in state prison; can increase to up to 9 years if committed with two or more people in concert.
- If a firearm was used: additional 10–20 years, and if discharged causing injury, 25 years to life.
- Second-degree robbery: 2, 3, or 5 years in state prison.
- Grand Theft (value over $950)
- Defined under Penal Code 487 PC.
- Standard penalty: felony conviction with probation or up to 3 years in state prison.
- For $750,000 in stolen property, prosecutors may seek aggravated enhancements, which can add additional years under California’s white-collar crime statutes.
- Possession of Stolen Property (over $950)
- Treated similarly to grand theft; felony charge with up to 3 years in prison.
- Large-value cases (hundreds of thousands) often trigger sentencing enhancements and higher fines.
- Evading Police During High-Risk Stop
- Misdemeanor evading (VC 2800.1): up to 1 year in county jail and fines.
- Felony reckless evading (VC 2800.2): 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison, plus fines up to $10,000