Charges Filed in Alleged Retail Theft
District Attorney Tim Ward has announced criminal charges related to an alleged theft of merchandise from a popular Visalia electronics store on December 14, 2021.
Mikey Manning, 24, and Debanee Harrell, 34, both of Fresno, are alleged to have stolen several smart tablets, speakers, a doorbell camera, and other electronics from Best Buy in Visalia. Both are charged with second-degree commercial burglary, grand theft, and conspiracy to commit a crime. Each count is a felony. Harrell is further charged with the special allegation of possessing a prior strike for robbery (2006). She is additionally charged with a misdemeanor count of driving without a valid license.
“We are not going to allow Tulare County businesses, employees, and patrons to be part of the larger story being played out across our state. Brazen retail theft will not be tolerated and we will use every tool we have to make sure businesses are protected. There will be consequences for anyone who commits or attempts to commit crimes like these in our county,” said Tulare County District Attorney Tim Ward.
Procedural History
- Defendants were arrested on December 14, 2021.
- By law, an arraignment was scheduled for December 16, 2021.
- Charges were filled by the Office of the District Attorney on the morning of December 16, 2021.
- Prior to the arraignment, the court released the defendants from custody before the Office of the District Attorney could object to their release. Despite this, prosecutors still appeared and objected on the record.
- The defendants were cited and are scheduled to return to court for arraignment on January 13, 2022.
Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare
Public Information Officer Stuart Anderson (559) 636-5494