Parolees Caught in String of Retail Thefts

Two wanted parolees and an accomplice were behind bars after they were caught allegedly trying to sell stolen goods back to a Murrieta Rite Aid.

Murrieta police said the trio was also suspected in a string of similar commercial thefts and burglaries in San Diego and Riverside counties.

They were arrested after the first suspect, Ronald Jackson, 33, of San Diego, was allegedly attempting to return some merchandise at about 4:18 p.m. Tuesday at according to Murrieta police Sgt. Don Weller.

"Investigation revealed that Mr. Jackson had entered the store and removed merchandise off the shelf," the sergeant said in a news release. "He then attempted to return the item for store credit, but was denied and walked out of the store with the item."

As officers placed Jackson under arrest, Weller said he physically resisted them. After a brief struggle, which caused minor injuries to one of the officers involved, Jackson was taken into custody, he said.

Weller said officers then found Jackson had two accomplices waiting outside in a car with the engine running. The driver, 58-year-old Michael Edwards, of Vista, and the passenger, 21-year-old Jessica Bennett, of Escondido, were arrested after they were all allegedly found with equipment commonly used to circumvent security features on clothes and other retail merchandise.

Jackson, Bennett and Edwards were all booked at Southwest Detention Center on suspicion of conspiracy to commit a commercial burglary. 

Bennett was also suspected of being in possession of a controlled substance, and Jackson was suspected of battery of a peace officer. Both were also suspected of parole violations, as there were warrants issued for their arrest, and, according to jail records, were being held on no bail.

Edwards was being held on $5,000 bail.

Anyone with further information regarding the investigation was asked to call 951-696-3615 and ask for Officer Hollenweger at ext. 6812 or the on-duty watch commander. Anonymous information can be provided through “We Tip” by calling 1-800-78-CRIME.