Yesterday, patrol officers located and arrested Fabian Munoz, a 43-year-old who was wanted on a felony warrant for multiple thefts from local Target stores, according to the Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD).
The Fullerton Police also announced that they took distraction theft suspect Scumpina Ciuraru, a 33-year-old from Norwalk, into custody last night.
Here’s a breakdown of the potential consequences Munoz is facing:
- Felony theft charges: If the value of stolen goods exceeds $950 per incident, Munoz could be charged with felony grand theft under California Penal Code § 487. This carries penalties of up to 3 years in county jail.
- Burglary charges: Repeatedly entering stores with intent to steal may qualify as commercial burglary under Penal Code § 459. First-degree burglary (if proven) can result in up to 6 years in state prison.
- Organized retail theft: California’s Penal Code § 490.4 targets serial retail theft. If Munoz acted with others or committed multiple thefts over time, he could face enhanced penalties, including state prison time and fines.
- Prior convictions: If Munoz has prior theft-related convictions, sentencing enhancements may apply, increasing jail or prison time.
- Felony warrant implications: Being wanted on a felony warrant means Munoz will be arrested and held without bail until arraignment. Judges may impose stricter conditions due to flight risk or repeat offenses.
- Restitution orders: Courts often require convicted individuals to repay the value of stolen goods to affected businesses.
- Probation or parole violations: If Munoz is already under supervision, these new charges could trigger revocation and additional penalties.
If convicted of distraction burglary in California, Scumpina Ciuraru could face the following penalties:
- Residential burglary (Penal Code § 459)
- Felony offense
- Penalty: 2, 4, or 6 years in state prison
- Considered a “strike” under California’s Three Strikes Law
- Second-degree burglary (non-residential)
- Felony or misdemeanor, depending on circumstances
- Felony penalty: up to 3 years in county jail
- Misdemeanor penalty: up to 1 year in county jail
- Conspiracy to commit a crime (Penal Code § 182)
- Felony offense if the underlying crime is a felony
- Penalty: same as the intended felony (e.g., burglary)
- Theft or larceny (Penal Code § 484/487)
- Misdemeanor or felony depending on value of stolen items
- Petty theft (under $950): up to 6 months in jail
- Grand theft (over $950): up to 3 years in jail
- Elder abuse enhancements (Penal Code § 368)
- If victims were elderly or disabled, additional penalties may apply
- Felony penalty: up to 4 years in state prison
- Restitution and fines
- Court may order restitution to victims
- Fines can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars
- Probation or diversion
- In some cases, first-time offenders may be eligible for probation or diversion programs