Serial Thief Arraigned, Faces Third Strike

District Attorney Tim Ward has announced the filing of criminal charges against Visalia man Donald Franklin, age 37, for residential burglary.

It is alleged that on July 6 and July 8, 2024, Franklin burglarized a Visalia home on two separate occasions. Franklin is charged with two felony counts of residential burglary along with numerous special allegations related to the incident and his criminal history, including strike convictions under California’s “Three Strikes Law.” Records indicate that Franklin possesses multiple criminal convictions since 2005 in both Tulare and Kings counties including burglary, robbery, theft, false imprisonment, grand theft, auto theft, and possession of stolen property.

Franklin was recently paroled from prison on May 8, 2024, following a 2023 conviction for residential burglary.

Franklin entered a not guilty plea at arraignment today and is scheduled to return to court on July 23, 2024, for a preliminary hearing conference. The court set bail at $100,000. Franklin remains in custody on a parole hold.  

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with more information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Visalia Police Department at 559-734-8117.

Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Chief Deputy District Attorney Dave Alavezos (559) 636-5494