Last week, police officers investigated a stolen bicycle from the University Town Center, according to the Irvine Police Department.
Police officers later spotted a man cruising down Main Street on the stolen bike and stopped him.
It turned out that the suspect was wearing a portable safe around his waist, because nothing says “I have nothing to hide” like making it part of your outfit.
Inside the safe the police officers found several bags of fentanyl and a scale.
John Christopher Lambert, 55, of Santa Ana, was arrested and booked at Orange County Jail for grand theft and drug sales.
The bike was returned to the owner.
Based on the reported charges, Lambert may face the following penalties under California law:
- Grand Theft (Penal Code § 487)
- Felony or misdemeanor depending on the value of the stolen bicycle and prior record
- Up to 3 years in county jail if charged as a felony
- Fines up to $10,000
- Possible probation with restitution and community service
- Possession of Fentanyl for Sale (Health & Safety Code § 11351)
- Felony offense
- 2 to 4 years in county jail under California’s realignment laws
- Fines up to $20,000
- Possible enhancements if near a school, involving minors, or with prior drug convictions
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Health & Safety Code § 11364)
- Misdemeanor offense
- Up to 1 year in county jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- May be bundled with other charges or dismissed in plea negotiations
- Repeat Offender Enhancements
- If Lambert has prior convictions for theft or drug offenses, sentencing could be enhanced under California’s repeat offender statutes
Final penalties will depend on the value of the stolen property, the quantity of fentanyl, Lambert’s criminal history, and prosecutorial discretion.