Temecula Retail Theft Blows Open Investigation, Family Pleads Guilty

TEMECULA, CA—After a Temecula retailer was ripped off last month, investigators linked the crime to a family allegedly involved in a string of retail thefts across Southern California.

Now the accused have pleaded guilty to felony charges.

Thomas Edward Balandran, 51, Breeanna Marie Balandran, 19, and Sherri Marie Alvarez, 48, all of Jurupa Valley, entered into plea agreements Wednesday with the Riverside County District Attorney's Office. Each of the accused admitted organized retail theft with intent to resell merchandise. Thomas Balandran additionally admitted charges of conspiracy and grand theft, along with probation violations.

According to Sgt. Josh Hephner of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, the defendants came to the attention of investigators following an April 24 theft in the 32100 block of Temecula Parkway. A retail establishment was targeted and $1,000 worth of goods were stolen.

"Throughout the investigation, it was confirmed the suspects were responsible for at least 10 separate thefts throughout Riverside, San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties," the sergeant said. "In total, they were responsible for over $7,000 in losses, and it is believed there are additional unidentified incidents of theft."

Hephner said detectives soon identified other "residences believed to be involved in knowingly buying stolen goods with the intent to resell them for profit, also known as 'fencing."'

Search warrants served at a Moreno Valley residence netted "over $3,000 of additional stolen merchandise," according to Hephner.

Thomas Edward Balandran, Breeanna Marie Balandran, and Sherri Marie Alvarez were arrested — along with a 17-year-old boy whose identity was not disclosed — on May 13 at a residence in the 6800 block of Valley Way in Jurupa Valley.

Superior Court Judge Jeff Zimel certified the terms of the plea deals during a hearing Wednesday at the Riverside Hall of Justice. The judge imposed a stipulated sentence of two years and eight months in state prison for Thomas Balandran.

The women were each sentenced to two years' felony probation. Zimel also ordered both to serve between four to six months in a sheriff's work release program, during which time they'll have to remain gainfully employed or attend vocational training or similar programs.

The women received lighter sentences after prosecutors dropped related felony counts against the two in exchange for their admitting the organized retail theft allegation.

The judge directed the Department of Probation to determine the amount of victim restitution that the defendants should be required to pay.

Court records show Thomas Balandran has prior convictions for possession of controlled substances and shoplifting, while Sherri Alvarez has a prior for petty theft. Breeanna Balandran has no documented priors in Riverside County.

—Patch Editor Toni McAllister and City News Service contributed to this report.