Lately, the SCV Sheriff Station deputies have taken it upon themselves to patrol the parking lots of local businesses in the wee hours of the morning to increase police presence and, hopefully, spot would-be criminals. Their efforts bore fruit this week when, according to an SCV Sheriff Report, they arrested an individual behind a business on The Old Road in Stevenson Ranch loading boxes into his vehicle. According to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station Facebook page:

“Our deputies were proactively patrolling business parking lots on the 25500 block of The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch, during early morning hours Thursday, when they spotted suspicious activity.

It was around 3 a.m. when they noticed a white male adult on the backside of a business carrying several boxes from the store’s dock area to his vehicle.

Deputies made contact with the man and found that he was also in possession of counterfeit money, a driver’s license and credit card that did not belong to him, and drug paraphernalia. Deputies arrested the 38-year-old male on charges including theft and forgery. He was transported and booked at SCV Sheriff’s Station.”

Forgery is covered under California Penal Code 470 PC and takes place when a person knowingly:

  • Signs someone else’s name
  • Fakes a seal or someone else’s handwriting
  • Changes or falsifies any legal document (such as a deed, will, or other contract)
  • Fake, alter, or present as genuine any false document pertaining to money, finances, or property

Most of the time, forgery is charged as a “wobbler,” meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances of the case. The maximum sentence for misdemeanor forgery is one year in jail, while felony forgery carries the possible sentence of up to 3 years in jail.

The severity of the theft charge isn’t clear, but the suspect faces significant time in jail if convicted.

Robin Sandoval

Robin Sandoval

Robin Sandoval is a California Licensed Bail Bondsman and owner of SCV Bail Bonds. Robin writes blogs and articles to help increase community awareness of the bail industry. If you have questions or want to suggest a topic, email robin@scvbailbonds.com, visit www.scvbailbonds.com or call 661-299-2245.
Robin Sandoval
Robin Sandoval
Robin Sandoval

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