During a routine patrol on Thursday, February 6, in Apple Valley, two individuals found themselves under arrest after an alleged theft gone wrong. According to the SBSD Apple Valley Police Department, deputies were called to a Target store at 19201 Bear Valley Road due to a subject reportedly concealing Pokémon cards and exiting without remitting payment.
Arriving at the scene, Deputy K. Mammolito confronted the suspect, Juan Carlos Mariche, near a vehicle in the parking lot. Mariche, accused of trying to lift the trading cards, pushed a loss prevention officer upon his exit from the store. Inside the vehicle, a second subject, Kyle Caitlin Stein, was found apparently under the influence of a controlled substance, with two dogs released to family members later, as described by the sheriff's office.
Both Mariche and Stein were taken into custody, with respective charges of robbery and being under the influence of a controlled substance filed against them. They were discovered to have outstanding warrants for previous crimes. Subsequently, the investigation turned into more than just a case of pilfered Pokémon paraphernalia. A felony robbery charge was slapped on Mariche and a misdemeanor for Stein for drug influence by the San Bernardino District Attorney on Monday, February 10, as reported by the SBSD Apple Valley Police Department.
With the court proceedings looming, Mariche continues to be held at High Desert Detention Center, his bail set at $150,000 for the robbery charge. However, due to a parole violation, he has been held without bail. Stein, on the other hand, has been cited and released and is expected to appear before the court at a later date. For those who have information related to this case, Deputy K Mammolito at Apple Valley Sheriff’s Station can be contacted, or tips can be left anonymously through the We-Tip Hotline or online.
