Fri. Aug 22nd, 2025

On Thursday, August 21st, police officers responded to assist OCFA Engine 76 after a break-in at their fire station, according to the SAPD.

The crew had already detained the suspect, Holly Hulsey (33) of Huntington Beach, who had taken items from a personal vehicle and food from the station.

Hulsey was arrested for burglary and booked at Santa Ana Jail.

Quick teamwork between OCFA and SAPD kept the situation under control!

Based on California’s updated 2025 laws, Holly Hulsey could face the following penalties for the break-in at OCFA Fire Station 76, depending on the exact charges filed:


1. Burglary (Penal Code §459)

  • Definition: Entering a building with intent to commit theft or any felony.
  • Penalty:
    • First-degree burglary (residential): 2 to 6 years in state prison.
    • Second-degree burglary (commercial or non-residential, like a fire station): Up to 3 years in county jail or 16 months, 2, or 3 years in state prison.

2. Theft from a Vehicle

  • New in 2025: The “locked door” loophole has been removed. Any unauthorized entry into a vehicle, locked or not, now qualifies as burglary.
  • Penalty: If the value of stolen items exceeds $950, it can be charged as a felony, with 16 months to 3 years in prison. If under $950, it may be a misdemeanor with up to 1 year in jail.

3. Possession of Stolen Property (PC §496.6)

  • New Felony Offense: Possessing stolen goods worth over $950 with intent to resell or use can lead to up to 3 years in jail, even without proof the suspect knew the items were stolen.

4. Aggregation Rule

  • Prosecutors can combine multiple thefts over a 90-day period to meet the $950 felony threshold, even if each theft was minor.

5. Probation and Diversion

  • For first-time or younger offenders (under 25), courts may offer rehabilitation programs or extended probation (up to 2 years) instead of jail time.

Summary

If Hulsey is a first-time offender and the value of stolen items is under $950, she may face misdemeanor charges with up to 1 year in jail or probation. However, if the value exceeds $950 or she has prior convictions, she could face felony charges with up to 3 years in prison.

By Art Pedroza

Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.

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