On August 11, 2025, at approximately 9:11 pm, an unknown suspect cut the fence and entered the construction site in the track area of Santa Fe High School, located at 10400 Orr and Day Rd., according to the Whittier Police Department.
The suspect proceeded to steal approximately fifty-five sheets of Aluminum, two gator carts, goal posts, and miscellaneous turf materials – a value of approximately $10,000.
With the help of the School Resource Officer (SRO), Santa Fe Springs Detectives were able to identify an employee of the construction site, 41-year-old Mark Navarro, resident of Santa Ana, as the suspect in this case.
On August 12, 2025, at approximately 12 pm, detectives located Navarro in the process of selling the stolen materials at a recycling center in Santa Ana, California.
Navarro was safely taken into custody and transported to the Whittier PD Jail for booking. All the stolen property was returned to its rightful owner.
If Mark Navarro is convicted of theft in California for stealing construction materials valued at approximately $10,000, here’s what he could face in plain terms:
1. Criminal Charges
- Grand Theft (Penal Code § 487): Since the value exceeds $950, this qualifies as grand theft, which is a “wobbler” — meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail and/or a fine up to $1,000.
- Felony: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in jail and/or a fine up to $10,000.
2. Burglary (Penal Code § 459)
- Entering the construction site unlawfully with intent to steal could also lead to a burglary charge.
- If charged as commercial burglary, it’s also a wobbler.
- If charged as residential burglary, it’s a felony with 2, 4, or 6 years in state prison.
3. Receiving Stolen Property (Penal Code § 496)
- Since he was caught trying to sell the stolen goods, he could also be charged with receiving stolen property, which carries similar penalties to grand theft.
4. Employment-Related Consequences
- Because he was an employee at the site, this could be considered embezzlement (Penal Code § 503), which also follows the same punishment scale as grand theft.
- Employers may also press charges, and the district attorney would handle the prosecution.
5. Additional Penalties
- If convicted of a felony, he may lose rights such as:
- Gun ownership
- Eligibility for certain jobs
- Immigration consequences if not a U.S. citizen