The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
In August a Palos Verdes Estates man planning a vacation sought dog walking services through a service called Care.com, a site matching caregivers with potential clients in need, and selected Nephi Henderson of Hermosa Beach for the job. Henderson accepted the position and was provided a key in order to gain entry while the homeowner was away. He has been accused of using the key to steal property from the home.
Police reported that when the victim returned home he discovered some of his personal belongings were missing. He had a video surveillance security system in place, and while reviewing the material he discovered two people stealing items from his home. The recording for the following night revealed three people who stole more of his possessions. He believed one of the suspects was recognizable as Henderson.
Detectives obtained a search warrant for Henderson’s place of residence and identified the missing property from the victim’s home, in addition to goods taken from another reported burglary. Purses and clothing that did not appear to belong to Henderson were also discovered leading police to believe that more victims may exist.
36-year-old Henderson was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree residential burglary. Police also suspected 20-year-old Zulma Lourdes Farias was an accomplice to Henderson, and he was charged with one count of first-degree residential burglary. Authorities have not located the third person seen on the video surveillance footage.
Both Henderson and Farias entered a plea of not guilty. If convicted of these charges Henderson could face seven or more years in state prison, and Farias could be sentenced to six years.
If you or someone you love is suspected of burglary, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.