Lake Elsinore Shoplifting Suspects Will Face Maximum Felony Charges

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — The Lake Elsinore Sheriff's Station deputies and loss prevention officers arrested three people Thursday suspected of shoplifting from a Collier Avenue store.

Nicholas Wilhelm, a 46-year-old resident of Lake Elsinore, and Thomas Thorsborne, a 30-year-old resident of Menifee, were arrested and held at the Southwest Detention Center for shoplifting goods valued at under $950. Due to repeat offenses of a similar nature, both are being held on felony charges of committing petty theft, at least two prior charges of a similar nature.

They will appear at the Southwest Justice Center on Tuesday at 8 a.m. to answer to those charges.

Iran Flores Alvarado, a 39-year-old resident of Lake Elsinore was arrested at the scene, however it was not clear if she was charged.

With the enactment of Proposition 36, thieves can be prosecuted for a felony if they have two prior convictions for similar offenses, according to Sgt. Robert Thomas.

"The Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station takes all crimes seriously and will prosecute violators to the fullest extent of the law," Thomas said.

This is an ongoing investigation, and no further information is available. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Deputies Noel or Castro at the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station (951) 245–3300.

As a reminder, “Community Policing” involves partnerships between law enforcement and community members. Business owners and residents are encouraged to report criminal activity directly to law enforcement by calling Sheriff’s Dispatch at (951) 776–1099 or 911 if the matter is an emergency.