A couple of weeks ago, the Irvine Police posted a #WANTEDWEDNESDAY about a man who stole about $2,000 worth of glasses from LensCrafters.
The PID Crime Impact Unit detectives did some additional follow-up and they were able to identify the suspect.
They then did some surveillance on him at a motel in Van Nuys. They found out that the suspect had ties to additional thefts at stores in Los Angeles County.
Detectives served a search warrant in his motel room and found several additional glasses believed to be stolen.
Jose Rodolfo Mendez, 36, of Los Angeles, was arrested and booked at the Orange County Jail for burglary.
Mendez now faces burglary charges under California law.
Because the theft occurred at a commercial establishment, the charge is likely second-degree burglary, which is a “wobbler” offense in California. That means it can be prosecuted either as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances and the suspect’s criminal history.
If charged as a misdemeanor, penalties may include:
- Up to 1 year in county jail
- Fines
- Probation
If charged as a felony, penalties may include:
- Up to 3 years in county jail
- Fines up to $10,000
- Formal probation
Additional factors like prior convictions, the total value of stolen goods, and involvement in multiple thefts could lead to enhanced penalties or influence the decision to prosecute as a felony.