| For Immediate Release Case # 09ZF0073
November 16, 2009 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Public Affairs Counsel Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami |
TRANSCRIPTS UNSEALED IN 11-DEFENDANT INDICTMENT FOR CRIME SPREE INVOLVING TWO ORANGE COUNTY JEWELRY STORE ROBBERIES
*Nine of the defendants are accused of being members of a San Diego criminal street gang
SANTA ANA – Grand jury transcripts were unsealed today charging eleven defendants, including nine members of a San Diego criminal street gang, for their role in a crime spree involving the armed robbery of two Orange County jewelry stores, identity theft, and street terrorism. A 20-count indictment was issued Oct. 26, 2009, against 11 defendants, all residents of San Diego County, who face sentences ranging from three years up to 35 years to life in state prison if convicted. The defendants are all scheduled for arraignment Dec. 4, 2009, at 8:30 a.m. in Department C-5, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana. Lopez is scheduled for a pre-trial at that time.
This case was jointly investigated by the Laguna Beach (LBPD) and Tustin Police Departments (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.