The three suspects were arrested on suspicion of burglary charges and transported to Ventura County Jail where they were released after making bail.A review of the pending case by the District Attorney’s Office showed that McMullen and Navarro have extensive criminal records and would qualify for prosecution under the three-strikes law, which carries an automatic sentence of 25 years to life in prison if a defendant is convicted of the charges.The three-strikes law was approved by California voters as a way to keep habitual criminals locked up and off the streets; the intent of the law was to keep violent criminals incarcerated, but the law has drawn criticism as several high-profile cases using the three-strikes law involved lawbreakers who did not have a history of violence. A new version of the law is being readied for the ballot in an attempt to have voters replace the original one.
Accused SP burglars might face 3-strikes, 25 years to life sentence
January 30, 2002
Santa Paula News
Two Santa Paula men allegedly caught in the act of burglarizing a California Street home late last year could be facing a three-strikes sentence if convicted.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesTwo Santa Paula men allegedly caught in the act of burglarizing a California Street home late last year could be facing a three-strikes sentence if convicted.Joseph McMullen and Rudolfo Navarro were arrested by Santa Paula Police on Nov. 14 after the report of a burglary in process, called in by a neighbor. The burglary was taking place in the 200 block of California Street, located between Harvard Boulevard and Ventura Street.Three suspects - including Oxnard resident Jesus Aguilar - were leaving the scene of the burglary in a white Chevrolet pickup truck when they were pulled over by Santa Paula police; the suspects were identified as the burglars by a witness.
