By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY
Senior Writer
A 30-year-old Crestline resident accused of multiple vehicle burglaries in the Crestline area during a two-week-long crime spree was taken into custody by deputies from the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station on Thursday, Jan. 11 at a residence in the 29000 block of Sutter Rd. in Lucerne Valley.
The suspect, identified as Dustin Schneider, was charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Grand Theft, Felon in Possession of Ammunition, Possession of Fake Identification, Identity Theft and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle.
After serving a court-authorized search warrant at the Lucerne Valley residence, investigators from the sheriff’s Twin Peaks station discovered a large amount of stolen property, including a stolen firearm (reportedly a handgun), stolen credit cards and identification cards, as well as equipment used to commit fraud. Schneider, who was arrested on nine felony charges and two misdemeanors, was booked into West Valley Detention Center with bail set at $1,000,000.
On Friday, Jan. 12, Sheriff’s Detective Alisha Rosa was asked by the Alpine Mountaineer whether a one-million-dollar bail amount was considered unusually high for a burglary arrest, and she responded, “These are considered major crimes, so the judge approved a bail enhancement,” adding, “Schneider has been in and out of prison for most of his adult life and he was currently on probation for other similar crimes.” When asked how Schneider was identified as a suspect, Rosa said, “He was identified by video surveillance and leads from We-Tip.”
If convicted of PC 29800 (a) (1), Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Schneider would be facing up to three years of jail time and a fine of up to $10,000. A conviction for PC 487 (d) (2) – Grand Theft of a Firearm – could result in a sentence of 16 months to three years in a state prison and a fine of up to $10,000. If convicted on a charge of 30305 (a) (1) – Felon in Possession of Ammunition – the penalty would be 16 months to three years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The penalty for violation of PC 470B – Possession of a Fake ID – is one to three years in jail or a state prison. A conviction for PC 530.5 – Identity Theft – can result in a penalty of three years in jail or state prison. If convicted of PC 496D (a), Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Schneider could face up to three years in prison.
Anyone with information regarding the incident (Case No. Case No. 052301667) is encouraged to contact Detective D. Garcia or Deputy O. Romero-Rios at the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station at (909) 336-0600. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call the We-Tip hotline at (800) 78-CRIME (27463).
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