LAKE ELSINORE: Three arrested after Lake Elsinore theft investigation

LAKE ELSINORE – Deputies arrested three Orange County residents after they were caught stealing merchandise from a business Wednesday, Dec. 7. The theft and arrests occurred in the 18200 block of Collier Avenue in Lake Elsinore.

At the conclusion of their investigation, deputies arrested Phillip Michael Gordon, 27, of Orange, Megan Elizabeth Donovan, 25, of Fountain Valley, and Jamie Bryn Jones, 40, of Laguna Hills for a variety of charges, according to Riverside Sheriff’s Sergeant David Cardoza.

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Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Lake Elsinore Police station were dispatched to the business about 9:40 a.m., regarding a theft that was occurring at the location.

A 911 caller reported that a male suspect, later identified as Gordon, was distracting store employees as two female accomplices, identified as Donovan and James, were removing merchandise from packaging and concealing the items.

Deputies arrived within minutes of the dispatched call and located Gordon and one of the female suspects outside the business. The third female was found hiding inside the store, according to Cardoza.

The deputies detained all three suspects. During the course of their investigation deputies discovered Gordon was in possession of a loaded firearm, counterfeit U.S. currency, and narcotics. Donovan was found to be in possession of counterfeit U.S. currency, narcotics, stolen merchandise from the business, and gave a false name to officers. James was found to be in possession of narcotics and stolen merchandise from the business.

Deputies arrested all three suspects before they were transported to the Southwest Detention Center.

Gordon was booked on suspicion of carrying a concealed, loaded, and unregistered firearm in a public place, possession of a controlled substance while armed with a firearm, possession of methamphetamine, possession of counterfeit currency, and conspiracy to commit a criminal offense.

Jones was booked on suspicion of possession of Heroin, shoplifting, and conspiracy to commit a criminal offense.

Both Gordon and Jones were released the same day of their arrests. Gordon was released after posting $10,000 bail and Jones was released with a citation. Both are scheduled to be arraigned at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta Feb. 1

Donovan was booked on suspicion of possession of prescription medication for sale, possession of counterfeit currency, identity theft, shoplifting, and conspiracy to commit a criminal offense.

Donovan, who had several warrants for her arrest and is considered a habitual criminal by the courts is being held in lieu of $500,000 bail. Her arraignment is scheduled at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta Dec. 9.

Anyone with knowledge or information regarding to this case should contact Deputy Vanessa Rodriguez-Melendez of the Lake Elsinore Police Department at (951) 245-3300, or after hours at (951) 776-1099. Callers can refer to incident file number L163420017 and can remain anonymous. Citizens may also submit a tip using the Sheriff’s CrimeTips online form.

 

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Trevor Montgomery spent 10 years in the U.S. Army as an Orthopedic Specialist before joining the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in 1998. He was medically retired after losing his leg in an off-duty accident.

During his time with the sheriff’s department, Trevor worked at several different stations, including the Robert Presley Detention Center, the Southwest Station in Temecula, the Hemet Station, and the Lake Elsinore Station, along with many other locations.