Woman sentenced to jail, man faces theft charges in Laguna vehicle burglaries case

An Inland Empire woman was sentenced to 30 days in jail and three years probation after pleading guilty this week to two misdemeanor charges in connection with a series of vehicle burglaries in Laguna Beach.

Laguna Beach detectives launched an investigation June 3 after receiving multiple vehicle burglary reports in the northern part of the city.

During the investigation, police identified Rachel Alvarez, 28, of Redlands and Johnny Cervantez, 22, of San Bernardino as possible suspects after images of their vehicle were caught on private and city surveillance cameras, said Sgt. Jim Cota.

Detectives interviewed Alvarez in Redlands, where she confessed to her involvement in the burglaries and handed over stolen property, which included a laptop that belonged to a schoolteacher, Cota said.

Detectives searched Cervantez’s residence in San Bernardino, where police said they found additional stolen property.

While searching the house, they also came across an 8-week-old injured German shepherd puppy in the backyard. Cervantez’s parents, who were home at the time, agreed to relinquish the puppy to police, authorities said.

Cota said the dog’s leg injury was treated and he is currently with a foster organization waiting to be adopted.

Alvarez pleaded guilty in Orange County Superior Court on Monday to grand theft and receiving stolen property, both misdemeanors. She was ordered to pay restitution, according to court records.

Cervantez is facing charges of possession of a controlled substance paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, receiving stolen property and grand theft, all misdemeanors.

Cervantez was released on his own recognizance and has not yet entered a plea. He is scheduled to be arraigned July 24, according to court records.

Detectives are continuing to investigate and pursue additional suspects in the case, Cota said.

“In almost all of these cases, the victims left their vehicles unlocked. Crooks enjoy the path of least resistance, and it is much easier to target victims who do not protect their property,” Capt. Jeff Calvert said in a statement. “The best way to prevent crimes of opportunity is to secure your belongings and hide valuables from the public view.”

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Sgt. Jim Cota at (949) 464-6671 or jcota@lagunabeachcity.net

hannah.fry@latimes.com

Twitter: @HannahFryTCN

UPDATES:

4:50 p.m.: This article was updated to include information about the injured puppy found during detectives’ search of a residence.

This article was originally published at 3:55 p.m.