San Jacinto Burglary Suspect Also Stole $72K from Elderly Father, Police Allege

A San Jacinto woman suspected of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from her 82-year-old father, as well as other acts of theft, was being held Friday in lieu of $25,000 bail in a Banning jail cell.

Donna Marie Lopez, 56, was arrested following an investigation by Riverside County sheriff's detectives that began two months ago.

According to sheriff's officials, a Jan. 29 burglary at a San Jacinto auto shop pointed to Lopez as a suspect. In the ensuing weeks, investigators conducted inquiries that culminated in a search of Lopez's business in the 1200 block of Buena Vista Street, just off Esplanade Avenue.

Officials allege that stolen goods were found that belonged to five individuals with whom Lopez had been in contact.

The findings led to the execution of another search warrant at the suspect's home. While going through financial records and receipts at the property, investigators allegedly uncovered evidence that Lopez had been stealing from her father, apparently by assuming his identity during various online transactions, according to the sheriff's department.

The total amount embezzled from the victim's bank accounts was believed to be in excess of $70,000, authorities said.

Investigators recovered additional stolen property, along with 1.2 grams of methamphetamine, at the residence, according to a sheriff's sergeant.

Lopez was booked into the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning on suspicion of financial elder abuse, receiving stolen property, identity theft, possession of controlled substances and possession of a switchblade.