| For Immediate Release Case # 09ZF0073 December 14, 2011 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Chief of Staff Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami |
THREE SAN DIEGO GANG MEMBERS FACE TRIAL FOR CRIME SPREE ROBBERIES IN TWO ORANGE COUNTY JEWELRY STORES
*Eight co-defendants have been convicted in this case
SANTA ANA – Opening statements begin today against three gang members for their role in a crime spree involving the armed robbery of two Orange County jewelry stores, identity theft, and street terrorism.
Aida Arroyo, 29, is charged with one felony count each of second degree robbery, second degree commercial burglary, and street terrorism, with sentencing enhancements for criminal street gang activity and the vicarious use of a firearm by a gang member.
Michael Burgin, 32, is charged with one felony count each of second degree robbery, second degree commercial burglary, and street terrorism, with sentencing enhancements for criminal street gang activity, the vicarious use of a firearm by a gang member, and two prior strike convictions for first degree burglaries in 1999 and 2002.
Adam Weick, 30, is charged with one felony count each of second degree robbery, second degree commercial burglary, and street terrorism, with sentencing enhancements for criminal street gang activity, the vicarious use of a firearm by a gang member, and a prior strike for kidnapping in 2005.
Opening statements are expected to begin today, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011, in Department W-18, West Justice Center, Westminster. The time is to be determined.
This case involved 11 co-defendants, all residents of San Diego County, and was jointly investigated by the Laguna Beach Police Department (LBPD), Tustin Police Department (TPD) and Orange County District Attorney’s Office with assistance from the Orange County and San Diego County Sheriff’s Departments, Chula Vista and Oceanside Police Departments, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Co-Defendants
The eight other co-defendants in this case have been convicted. They are:
Salvador Barajas, 31, pleaded guilty Feb. 5, 2010, to one felony count each of receiving stolen property and street terrorism and was sentenced to 225 days in jail and three years of probation.
Touradj Barman, 68, pleaded guilty March 19, 2010, to one misdemeanor count of a pawnbroker failing to report receipt of property and was sentenced to one year of probation and a $10,000 payment to the Victim Witness Emergency Fund.