Generator Theft Amid Power Shutoffs: Victims Sought In Inland Empire

INLAND EMPIRE, CA — Snuggled up against the base of the San Bernardino Mountains is the Rosena Ranch community.

The master-planned neighborhood just north of Fontana is surrounded by hundreds of acres of open space. Given its location, it's unsurprising that the community had its power shut off amid the recent windstorms.

Some residents use generators for backup power, and, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, some people steal them.

Just after 7 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, a generator was stolen from the exterior of a home in the 3300 block of Rosena Ranch Road. During the theft, the suspect damaged the victim's water line, causing over $800 in damage, the sheriff's department reported.

The law enforcement agency launched an investigation. With the help of video surveillance, deputies learned the suspect was in a blue GMC Yukon.

More details were gleaned, which led to Nathan Swan Hohnstein, 39, of Moreno Valley, the sheriff's department reported. He was pulled over around 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13, in Moreno Valley by Riverside County deputies and subsequently taken into custody on an outstanding felony arrest warrant for a parole violation.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said its investigators learned "Hohnstein was out of custody on an 'Own Recognizance' release for multiple felony charges from Riverside County when [the generator theft] occurred."

With continued detective work, investigators "recovered evidence identifying Hohnstein as the suspect who stole the generator," the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department reported.

Hohnstein was charged in San Bernardino County with one count each of looting during a state emergency, grand theft, felony vandalism, and violating his parole. He is due in court this week to answer charges. Meanwhile, he's being held without bail at Rancho Cucamonga's West Valley Detention Center.

Investigators released photos of Hohnstein and his vehicle (see above) because they believe there may be additional victims. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fontana Sheriff's Station at 909-356-6767.