Wed. Jan 7th, 2026

Early this morning, police officers responded to a burglary of a luxury handbag store in the area of Jamboree and Dupont, according to the Irvine Police Department.

The building security alerted officers that two people were seen on surveillance entering the building.

The officers searched the building while their partnersat the Costa Mesa Police Department provided support with their drone.

The officers found the two suspects hiding inside and took them into custody.

About $100,000 worth of handbags were recovered and returned to the victim.

Richard Bernard Spencer, 40, of Los Angeles, and Marcellus Ronell Shelby, 30, of Hollywood, were arrested and booked at Orange County Jail on charges of burglary, grand theft, conspiracy, vandalism, and resisting arrest.

Penalties faced by the suspects

As of 2026, Richard Bernard Spencer and Marcellus Ronell Shelby face significant penalties under the California Penal Code for the alleged $100,000 luxury handbag burglary in Irvine. Based on the nature of the charges, here are the potential penalties:

1. Second-Degree (Commercial) Burglary

Because the incident occurred at a retail store rather than a residence, it is classified as second-degree burglary. 

  • Felony Penalty: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in county jail and a fine up to $10,000.
  • Misdemeanor Penalty: Up to one year in county jail and a $1,000 fine. 

2. Grand Theft

Since the value of the recovered property ($100,000) exceeds $950, the suspects face grand theft charges. 

  • Penalty: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in county jail.
  • Sentencing Enhancement: In Orange County, a theft exceeding $65,000 can trigger an additional and consecutive one-year prison sentence

3. Conspiracy

Conspiracy to commit a felony is typically punishable by the same sentence as the underlying felony itself. 

4. Vandalism

If the damage to the store property (e.g., broken windows or doors) exceeds $400, it can be charged as a felony. 

  • Felony Penalty: Up to 3 years in jail and fines up to $10,000 (or more depending on the damage). 

5. Resisting Arrest

  • Penalty: This is typically a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000. 

Summary of Potential Outcomes

  • Incarceration: If convicted on multiple felony counts, the sentences could potentially be served consecutively, leading to more than 3 years in custody.
  • Probation and Restitution: The court may grant formal felony probation but will likely require full restitution for any damages or unrecovered costs.
  • Organized Retail Theft: Under new 2025/2026 California laws (such as AB 3209), the suspects may also face retail theft restraining orders, prohibiting them from entering the establishment or its other locations for up to two years. 

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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