BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The recent series of break-ins at Sugardaddy’s Women’s Boutique have taken an unexpected turn as the alleged culprit is a surprising 14-year-old high school student.
Heidi Shubin, the owner of Sugardaddy’s, initially contacted 17 News to share details about the juvenile suspect, which were independently verified by the Bakersfield Police Department (BPD). BPD also confirmed that the same individual was responsible for both burglaries.
In a message directed at the young suspect, Shubin expressed her concern, saying, “Take a good look at yourself, and is this what you want to be doing down the road?” Sugardaddy’s, a family-owned store, has been in business for nearly four decades, making it all the more disheartening for Shubin to have to invest $16,000 in fortifying the store’s front due to the recent incidents.
This financial commitment includes the installation of a security screen, additional security cameras, and expenses related to stolen merchandise and repairing damaged windows and doors. Shubin’s emotions have evolved from sadness to anger, especially as she learned that the suspect had bragged about the burglaries at school without displaying any remorse.
The motive behind the break-ins was an attempt to impress a girl, according to reports, and it was this boastful behavior that eventually led to a tip received by the BPD, resulting in the suspect’s arrest. The 14-year-old was subsequently booked into Juvenile Hall on multiple felony charges, including two counts of burglary, two counts of vandalism, and one count of grand theft.
Despite these charges, the young suspect was released the same day, and there is uncertainty about whether he has returned to school, as Juvenile Hall could not confirm this detail. Shubin expressed frustration over what she sees as a lack of justice in the case, questioning why the suspect was released so quickly.
In a small consolation, Shubin has managed to recover some stolen merchandise, including a $400 Brighton purse and three out of the 20 stolen earrings. However, the fate of the 14-year-old suspect now lies in the hands of the District Attorney, who will determine the course of action. It’s worth noting that the juvenile justice system typically prioritizes reform over punishment, such as jail time.
Shubin remains hopeful that law enforcement will follow through with the charges, seeking some form of resolution for the unsettling events that have affected her business and her community.