A 32-year-old man who police suspect of stealing at least seven motorcycles in Lake Forest and surrounding cities was arrested in Fountain Valley, California. Brandon Whitaker, of Lake Forest, was arrested about 2 a.m. in a textile warehouse in the 11661 block of Martens River Circle after police responded to an unrelated domestic violence call at the warehouse. While there, police found that Whitaker, who was at the warehouse and appeared to know the people involved in the domestic violence call, was in possession of a motorcycle reported stolen from Lake Forest. Whitaker ran from the warehouse and Fountain Valley police officers chased him. A K-9 unit eventually stopped Whitaker, the dog jumping on him and biting him. Whitaker struggled with the dog but eventually gave up and was arrested.
Whitaker was booked into Orange County Jail on suspicion of possessing stolen property and resisting arrest. Whitaker had been sought by Orange County sheriff's investigators with the department's auto theft bureau.
At 9:10 p.m. Sunday, police received a call from Whitaker's father, who said he was concerned his son could be selling drugs. He also said six motorcycles on his property could be stolen. Police went to the 22900 block of Overlake Drive to talk to Whitaker, but he took off before they arrived, Nelson said. Deputies set up a perimeter around the neighborhood, but because of the rain and darkness they were unable to find Whitaker. Deputies did recover six stolen motorcycles.
Whitaker was sentenced to 60 days in jail and three years of probation in 1998 after pleading guilty to a charge of possessing/manufacturing/selling a deadly weapon. He also was sentenced to a year in jail after pleading guilty in 1998 to receiving stolen property. In 2000, he was sentenced to 16 months in state prison after violating parole on the stolen property charge.
If you are being charged with any type of theft or possession of stolen property crime, you should contact one of our experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys. These types of offenses can carry severe penalties ranging from fines and restitution to jail or prison time, depending on the seriousness of the infraction. A conviction on a theft charge can result in long term consequences in your life. The resulting criminal record can follow you for years, making it difficult for you to get a job, hold certain professional licenses, and apply for credit.
At Cron, Israels and Stark, theft criminal defense attoneys Steve Cron and Philip Israels have decades of experience in possession of stolen property and related theft crimes criminal defense. When you call our law office, you will speak to an experienced Los Angeles possession of stolen property criminal defense lawyer who will explain your best legal options.
For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your theft criminal charges with one of our lawyers, please contact Cron, Israels and Stark today.