Police: Computer tracking software leads to recovery of stolen cell phones in Whittier

WHITTIER — A man who lost his cell phone used computer tracking software Tuesday to help police find and recover it, along with other allegedly stolen items, from a Santa Fe Springs man’s pocket, officials said.
Jared Morentin, 27, of Santa Fe Springs, was booked on suspicion of possession of stolen property following his arrest shortly after 10 a.m. in the 7600 block of Painter Avenue in Whittier, according to Whittier police and Los Angeles County booking records.
A 31-year-old man could not find his phone late Monday and believed he had lost it while at Food 4 Less, 7810 Norwalk Boulevard in Santa Fe Springs, Whittier police Lt. Steve Dean said.
He used a computer program to track the location of his phone the following morning and realized it was sitting in the 7600 block of Painter Avenue in Whittier, the lieutenant said.
Police responded to the area Tuesday morning as the man relayed the position of the phone, which was moving slowly south in the 7600 block of Painter Avenue, to a police dispatcher, Dean said.
Officers found Morentin walking in the area and detained him.
In addition to the missing cell phone, other allegedly stolen cell phones and GPS devices were found on Morentin’s person, Dean said.
Morentin told investigators he had been buying the devices for $10 each in order to make a profit, Dean said, adding that police believed the suspect knew they were stolen.
The suspect already has two previous theft-related convictions, Los Angeles County District Attorney’s spokeswoman Jane Robison said.
He was convicted of second-degree burglary in September of 2012 and sentenced to two years behind bars, which was suspended, and probation, Robison said.
In another case, Morentin pleaded no contest to charges of petty theft and burglary Dec. 20, Robison said.
He was sentenced to 373 days in jail and formal probation, however he applied to have his case evaluated by the county’s drug court, she said. An update on his case was not available.
According to county booking records, Morentin was being held without bail pending his initial court appearance.

Facebook Twitter Reddit Tumblr Linkedin Email