Reporting Deputy: Sgt. Mark Buelna
File # MA232550021
Details:
On September 19, 2023, deputies assigned to the Lake Mathews Sheriff Station responded to a report of a burglary to a storage unit at the 22000 block of Knabe Road in the unincorporated area of Temescal Valley. Deputies discovered several storage units were burglarized at the location. Some of the property stolen included one-of-a-kind paintings/artwork that was valued over $40,000. The investigation was turned over to the Lake Mathews Special Enforcement Team (LMS SET). LMS SET identified two suspects and three storage unit locations associated with the suspects. During the course of the investigation, deputies learned the suspects may have committed similar burglaries to storage units in the city of Menifee and unincorporated Murrieta area. LMS SET is working with personnel from those respective agencies to identify victims and return their property.
On September 22, 2023, LMS SET deputies arrested 37-year-old Eric Creech from Sacramento, and 42-year-old Erick Morris from Menifee. Search warrants were served at four respective storage units. A multitude of confirmed and suspected stolen property was recovered. Creech and Morris were booked into a Riverside County jail for burglary, possession of stolen property, and conspiracy.
If you suspect you are a victim of a theft from your storage unit, contact your local agency to report the theft. Anyone with information on these cases is encouraged to call Deputy Staggs at the Lake Mathews Sheriff Station by calling 951–272–5600.
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