A Twentynine Palms man and woman were arrested last Friday following a reported domestic disturbance that led to the discovery of an alleged burglary in progress and drug trafficking. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department deputies responded to a call at around 2:26 a.m. in the 82000 Block of Twentynine Palms Highway, a remote area known as Wonder Valley. According to the report, deputies first made contact with Scott Lapresle, 60, who was found seated in a vehicle outside of a residence.
As deputies investigated further, Leslie McLaughlin, 53, was discovered inside the residence and quickly detained. On returning to the vehicle, deputies uncovered a significant amount of methamphetamine in the possession of Lapresle, as stated in the Sheriff-Coroner Department's press release.
Both suspects were arrested on charges including burglary and conspiracy, formally known as Penal Code 459 and Penal Code 182(a), respectively. Additionally, Lapresle faces a charge for trafficking a controlled substance, under Health & Safety Code 11379(a), which has significantly increased his bail to $190,000. Bail for McLaughlin was set at $30,000. The alleged criminals were booked into Morongo Basin Jail following their apprehension.
Law enforcement officials urge anyone with information about this incident to come forward and contact the Morongo Basin Station directly. Offering confidentiality, callers may also choose to remain anonymous by calling the We-Tip Hotline or providing information through their website. Deputy Alexander Stumbo is the reference for this case, numbered 092401922, as noted by Sheriff-Coroner Shannon D. Dicus.
