Reports: Lakers’ security guard accused of stealing championship rings
According to a report from the Associated Press, a security guard at the Los Angeles Lakers’ training facility in El Segundo, CA has been accused of stealing two NBA title rings.
The investigation started on December 5th, culminating in charges on Thursday.
Here is an excerpt from the AP report:
"El Segundo police said in a statement Thursday that Eddie J. Monterroso has been charged with felony grand theft and burglary. He’s accused of taking the rings and gift cards valued at nearly $20,000.The statement says detectives began investigating the theft Dec. 5 and arrested Monterroso outside the practice facility Tuesday.Police say they searched Monterroso’s Inglewood home and found the rings from the Lakers’ 2009 and 2010 championship seasons. Police could not say who the rings belonged to.Monterroso has not entered a plea, and police didn’t know if he has an attorney. A phone message left at a possible home number was not immediately returned."
According to the Los Angeles Times’ Alicia Banks:
"The gift cards were for major retailers, such as Macy’s and Target, some valued at $100 each. Police have recovered only about $6,000 in the stolen gift cards.Monterroso used the gift cards to purchase video games and game consoles, according to Lt. Jaime Bermudez, a spokesman for the El Segundo Police Department. Police believe Monterroso sold some of the gift cards."
The gift cards were reportedly to be used for various Christmas charities and donations.