Burglars Who Hit Temecula Businesses Now Behind Bars: Sheriff's Dept.

TEMECULA, CA — Two men linked to Temecula burglaries and "several' others across Southern California were arrested in recent days following a months-long investigation, the sheriff's department announced Thursday.

Dache Kelly Jr., 23, of Riverside was arrested June 9 and remains jailed at Robert Presley Detention Center. He pleaded not guilty to 19 felony charges, including multiple counts of burglary, grand theft and vandalism, court records show. He was being held on $120,000 bail and his next scheduled court date is June 22.

Lehman Frank Mitchell, 42, of Moreno Valley was arrested June 13 and remains jailed at Murrieta's Southwest Detention Center. Court records show he pleaded not guilty to being a convicted felon and a narcotics addict in possession of a firearm and being in possession of ammunition, both felonies. If found guilty, he is also facing sentencing enhancements due to having a criminal history. He is being held on $10,000 bail and is due in court June 21 for a felony settlement conference.

According to the sheriff's department, the investigation into the men became clearer shortly after 4 a.m. May 22 when deputies were called to the 27300 block of Jefferson Avenue in Temecula about a ringing alarm at a business.

When deputies arrived, they discovered the business had just been burglarized and money was taken.

Investigators got a lead on a suspect vehicle — a white Audi SUV with a large sunroof. It was the same one used in a separate April 9 commercial burglary in the 28400 block of Old Town Front Street in Temecula, according to the sheriff's department.

On June 9, deputies found the SUV near the 12400 block of Perris Boulevard in Moreno Valley. They searched it and found "multiple items of evidentiary value from the recent burglaries," according to the department. The driver, Kelly, was arrested.

Through leads and video surveillance, deputies linked Mitchell to the May 22 burglary, but both men are responsible for several other commercial burglaries throughout multiple counties in Southern California, the sheriff's department reported.

Investigators believe there may still be victims who have not reported their losses. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Deputy Alfonso Valadez or Investigator Jeffrey Andrews of the Southwest Sheriff's Station: 951-304-5087.