Manhattan Beach Police detectives have arrested a Westchester couple on suspicion of stealing high-end bicycles, strollers, and motorized scooters and possibly selling the parts for drug money.
Arrested were 33-year-old Anthony Taraszka and 31-year-old Michelle Thompson. Both have previously been arrested on similar charges.
The most recent arrest came after police investigators found 16 strollers and 23 bicycles and scooters after searching the couple’s home. Police think most of the stolen items came from homes in the Manhattan Beach area.
In Taraszka’s and Thompson’s previous case they would steal the items, strip them down, and then sell the parts on eBay for drug money. It’s not clear in this new case whether or not they were stealing the bikes, strollers and scooters for drug money again.
Taraszka is being held without bail on suspicion of possessing stolen property and drug possession. Thompson, who was released on $120,000 bail, was charged with possessing stolen property and identity theft.
If you have been arrested for grand theft in South Bay or anywhere else in Los Angeles, it’s in your best interest to speak with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. In California, grand theft is a felony crime, punishable by up to two years in state prison, large fines, probation, and more. But just because you have been arrested does not mean you have been convicted. By hiring an experienced South Bay criminal defense lawyer at Okabe & Haushalter to help fight your charges, you can significantly improve your chances of beating your charges and resolving your case successfully.
To learn more about our criminal defense services and how we can help, please contact Okabe & Haushalter today at 310-430-7799.
