On March 19, 2010, Tulare County Superior Court Judge Joseph Kalashian imposed a prison sentence of six years on 29-year-old Jose Luis Lopez of Earlimart for transportation of a controlled substance with priors, vehicle theft with priors, and vehicle burglaries.

On November 28, 2008, the defendant stole a Chevrolet S-10 pickup from the Target parking lot in Porterville.

On December 19, 2008, the defendant broke into a vehicle at the Sierra View Hospital. The defendant stole a navigation/stereo system and portable music device.

On December 21, 2008, the defendant returned to the Target parking lot in Porterville. He broke into and ransacked a vehicle and stole approximately 500 compact discs and caused damage to the steering column and door lock of the vehicle.

On December 23, 2008, the defendant was located in the Target parking lot in Porterville. At the time of contact, the defendant provided law enforcement with a false name. A search of the defendant’s vehicle revealed methamphetamine and stolen parts.

The Judge sentenced the defendant to serve six years in state prison. He was also ordered to pay restitution to the victims, fines, and fees. The defendant is also required to register as a narcotics offender, based on his convictions.

This case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Peter Zerbib and investigated by TRATT Detective Chris McGuire of the Porterville Police Department,

Contact Person: Assistant District Attorney, Shani D. Jenkins, (559) 733-6411.