Banning Boot Barn Burglar Admits Guilt To Break-Ins, Sentenced To Jail

BANNING, CA — A Banning resident and convicted felon admitted to committing multiple burglaries at the Banning Boot Barn, stealing several thousand dollars' worth of clothes. He was immediately sentenced to two years in Riverside County jail after pleading guilty Tuesday to grand theft.

Jose Alberto Hernandez, 29, entered a plea agreement with the District Attorney's Office, leading prosecutors to drop five related counts levied against Hernandez.

Superior Court Judge Jay Kiel certified the terms of the plea deal and imposed the stipulated sentence during a hearing at the Banning Justice Center on Tuesday.

Hernandez admitted to breaking into the Banning Boot Barn at 300 S. Highland Springs Avenue three times last year. According to court records, the break-ins occurred on May 26, June 4, and July 9.

Police arrested him in July of 2024, along with a Banning woman who was arrested a week after Hernandez. She was accused of conspiring with him but was never charged.

Banning Police Department Lt. Brandon Smith said the burglaries all occurred after the store had closed, and the same items were targeted in each break-in. Court papers identified the items taken as "dozens of pairs of Levi's blue jeans and Carhartt brand shirts and related articles."

It was unclear whether Hernandez was selling the stolen goods.

Smith said detectives and loss prevention investigators from Boot Barn's corporate office "worked closely" to scrutinize security video camera recordings and gather other clues to identify Hernandez. On July 30, search warrants were obtained and served at properties on Theodore Street and San Andreas Road, where "investigators located several jeans and a firearm," the lieutenant said.

Hernandez was taken into custody without incident at the San Andreas Road residence.

Court documents show he has documented prior convictions for grand theft, shoplifting, vandalism and harassment by telephone.