Police arrest burglary suspect

Mary A. Castillo

During the early summer months Lagunans came home, or in one case

woke up, to find jewelry and cash missing. As reports were taken,

Laguna Beach Police began seeing a similarity among the residential

burglaries. An unknown suspect would enter a home through an unlocked

door or window and then make off with jewelry and cash.

The crime spree came to end when Debra Carroll, 51, woke up to

find Sgt. Jason Kravetz and Det. Paul Litchenberg knocking on her

apartment door Monday, Aug. 16.

“She invited us inside,” said Kravetz. “Our interview led us to

find and retrieve numerous stolen items.”

During the interview Carroll was very cooperative and apologetic

with investigators. She was even wearing some of the jewelry that was

later identified as some of the stolen property.

Carroll was taken into custody that same day, and after an

interview was arrested and charged with five felony counts of first

degree residential burglary, possession of stolen property and

possession of methamphetamine. She was taken to Harbor Court the

morning following her arrest and is currently in custody at Orange

County Jail.

Police have tied her to five incidents in Laguna and one in Dana

Point. They are still investigating a case in Newport Beach that

involved a woman walking into a Corona del Mar residence and leaving

with a purse.

“We’re handing that particular case to the Newport Beach Police

Department,” Kravetz said .

At one time Carroll worked at a jewelry store owned by her

brother, Don Beres. Beres also owns the apartment building where she

lived.

“We don’t feel that he is involved in any of her activities,”

Kravetz said.

On one occasion, Carroll came into contact with a victim who woke

up from a nap and found her standing next to the bed. When the victim

confronted her, Carroll claimed that she was looking for a rental,

Kravetz said.

After Carroll left the residence, the victim reported that a

laptop, $200 in cash and her passport were missing. The victim

identified Carroll as the woman from a photo lineup.

Police are still reviewing additional cases against Carroll. Her

prior convictions include trespassing in a residence, grand theft and

felony vandalism. She will appear in court on Sept. 11

Meanwhile police are continuing to visit local pawn shops to

retrieve additional property. They will hold a viewing of the

property today from 2 to 7 p.m. at the station.

“Anyone who has been a victim of a residential burglary is invited

to attend,” Kravetz said.

Attendees must bring a photo ID and a copy of the police report.