Credit cards stolen from teachers’ purses at Temecula elementary schools leads to two arrests

On January 21, investigators from the Temecula Police Department conducted a follow-up investigation regarding a series of thefts from teachers at two Temecula elementary schools, Tony Tobin Elementary School and Luiseno Elementary School.

The investigation focused on the thefts of wallets from the teachers’ purses while the purses were left in unlocked classrooms.

Investigators learned credit cards that were stolen with the wallets and were used throughout Temecula to purchase thousands of dollars of merchandise.

Those retail outlets were able to provide investigators with information on the suspects, which ultimately led to the identification of the suspects in this case.

Investigators used this information to set up a surveillance operation that led to search warrants at residences on Pechanga Drive and Katie Court in Temecula.

Investigators recovered property stolen during these crimes and arrested two suspects.

John Villaran, 21, and Kristy Manriguez, 22, of Temecula, were arrested and booked into the Southwest Detention Center for multiple counts of burglary, credit card theft, possession of stolen property, and conspiracy.

The investigation regarding this case is continuing at this time. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Investigator Franchville or Investigator Mejia at the Temecula Police Department at 952-696-3000.

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