(Jan 05 2009) - Porterville Police Dept - Press Release
by Sgt. Larry Rodriguez - Porterville Police Dept :
On October 21, 2008, two subjects, later identified as Nadine Ledesma and her brother Candelario Chavarria, were observed by loss prevention personnel stealing items form the Mervyn’s Department Store in Porterville. When the two attempted to leave with the stolen merchandise they were confronted by loss prevention personnel. A struggle ensued during which time Candelario Chavarria fled to the parking lot, obtaining a vehicle.
Chavarria returned to the scene of the confrontation, driving his vehicle at loss prevention personnel as if intending to strike them with the vehicle. Chavarria then exited the vehicle and made motions as if he were drawing a handgun in an apparent effort to help Ledesma escape. Fearing for their safety loss prevention personnel backed away from the situation and called police.
The case was assigned to Detective Rick Carrillo from the Porterville Police Department’s General Investigations Unit. It was during the course of the investigation that both suspects were eventually identified.
On January 5, 2009, both suspects were taken into custody without incident. At the time of Ledesma’s arrest she was also found to be in possession of a small amount of suspected methamphetamine.
Nadine Ledesma was booked with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department on charges of robbery, conspiracy, and transporting a controlled substance. Candelario Chavarria was booked on charges of robber and conspiracy.
For more info regarding this case contact Investigating Officer(s)
Detective Rick Carrillo at (559) 782-7400.
