People v. Espinoza CA2/6

FACTS

The People's Case In 2009, the California Department of Insurance participated with other law enforcement agencies in the investigation of criminal activity in Ventura County. Jose Velasquez, a Department undercover investigator, posed as a smuggler of drugs, guns and stolen vehicles. Jose Garcia was a car thief who is related to appellant and appellant's nephew Manny Lopez. In April 2009 Garcia contacted Velasquez and told him that a friend owned a moving and storage business that was in financial trouble. Garcia said the friend intended to raise money by burning a box truck used in the business to recover its value through a fraudulent insurance claim. When asked by Velasquez, Garcia identified the friend as "Manny." Garcia said he told the owner that he knew someone who would "get rid of it and plus they'll pay us money for it." The several conversations between Velasquez and Garcia about the scheme were recorded and various text messages were saved. Garcia and Velasquez agreed that Garcia would have appellant's truck delivered to Velasquez for a cash payment to be determined after Velasquez inspected the vehicle. Garcia assured Velasquez that the…