Man Convicted in Del Mar, La Jolla Home Burglary Spree Gets 10 Years

SAN DIEGO, CA — A 22-year-old man was sentenced Tuesday to nearly 10 years in state prison for burglarizing homes in Del Mar, La Jolla and other areas in North County during a heat wave last year, while a co-defendant was placed on probation.

Antonio Kresic, 22, pleaded guilty in June to 19 burglary and robbery charges and was sentenced to nine years and eight months behind bars.

Keith Lashaun Thomas, 20, who also admitted guilt, was given credit for serving a year in jail and was placed on five years probation. Judge Michael Groch suspended an eight-year prison term as long as Thomas successfully completes probation.

Deputy District Attorney Jim Koerber said the defendants removed and cut screens to break into residences during a hot spell last year. Some residents left their windows open due to the heat and the defendants were able to get in that way, the prosecutor said.

The crime spree began Sept. 21 and ended Oct. 7. Some of the stolen property — including credit cards, computer thumb drives and gaming systems — was recovered and returned to the owners, police said.

Two teens who participated in the crime spree were prosecuted in juvenile court.

— City News Service

Image via Shutterstock