Two Suspects Arrested for Grand Theft Following Pursuit in Irvine
Police Chase and Arrest
Two suspects, Christian Margel, 22, of Anaheim, and Teresa Margel, 20, of Fullerton, were arrested on grand theft charges following a pursuit in Irvine. The incident occurred on December 2, 2024, when detectives from the Irvine Police Department were investigating a complex transnational fraud scheme.
Scheme Involves Stolen EBT Funds
The scheme involved the theft of Electric Benefit Transfers (EBT) funds shortly after they were deposited into victims’ accounts. The stolen funds total over $316,000, according to authorities.
Pursuit and Arrest
On December 2, detectives were checking local banks when they spotted “suspicious subjects possibly involved in fraudulent activity” at a bank near Culver and Irvine Center Drives. The suspects, who were identified as Christian and Teresa Margel, drove away and refused to yield when police attempted to pull them over, leading officers on a pursuit.
Pursuit Ends in Arrest
After a short chase, the suspects eventually stopped the car near Culver Drive and Irvine Boulevard. A female suspect was immediately detained by officers, while the male suspect jumped out of the car and fled the scene. Police later found the male suspect hiding in a dumpster.
Arrest and Charges
Both suspects were arrested on charges of grand theft, felony evasion, and resisting arrest. They were booked at the Orange County Jail.
FAQs
Q: What was the scheme involved in this case?
A: The scheme involved the theft of Electric Benefit Transfers (EBT) funds shortly after they were deposited into victims’ accounts.
Q: How much money was stolen in this scheme?
A: The stolen funds total over $316,000, according to authorities.
Q: What were the suspects charged with?
A: The suspects were charged with grand theft, felony evasion, and resisting arrest.
Q: Were the suspects part of a transnational fraud ring?
A: Detectives did not release further details on whether the duo was connected to a transnational fraud ring.
