VICTORVILLE — A 46-year-old Hesperia man has been sentenced to 60 days in jail and three years probation for operating a chop shop at his home in the 18500 block of Willow Street, court records show.
James Placentia entered into a plea bargain last week, pleading guilty to a misdemeanor count of owning a chop shop after prosecutors agreed to drop two felony counts of buying or receiving stolen property.
Placentia was arrested Dec. 8 after San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the Willow Street home following a report of a possible burglary in progress. A caller observed teenagers jumping the fence at the home, while another teenager reportedly stood watch out front, authorities said.
The teenagers had fled the scene before deputies arrived.
Authorities said they performed a security check of the garage after entering through an open door and located several stripped vehicles. After obtaining a search warrant, deputies found two vehicles, a motorcycle, several vehicle parts hidden in the garage overhead and multiple license plates that were previously reported stolen.
Placentia was arrested after further investigation, authorities said.
As part of the sentencing terms handed down Feb. 17, Placentia is eligible for a conduct credit that would cut his 60-day sentence in half, court records show.