Yucca Valley man busted after trying to sell stolen antiques

Three Yucca Valley men are behind bars after the search for stolen antiques led deputies to discover multiple wanted suspects living together on the same property, according to a release from the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Department.

David Scholar owns a business in the 55600 block of Yucca Trail. He called deputies to report a robbery on Wednesday, February 25, saying someone stole between $20,000 to $50,000 worth of antiques, doors and other items.

Scholar and another Yucca Valley resident discovered a suspect trying to sell some of the stolen items to local antique shops, deputies said in the release. Scholar called the sheriff’s department and a sting operation was set up to purchase some of the stolen items the next morning.

Justin Channell, 29, was arrested on Friday, February 27 after attempting to sell some of the stolen items.

He’s charged with commercial burglary and is being held in the Morongo Basin Jail on $25,000 bail. After his arrest, deputies discovered more information that led to a search warrant at a home in the 56300 block of Antelope Trail.

Deputies said they found a large amount of stolen property in the residence and discovered a couple of other men living on the property that were wanted on various charges.

Eric Hanson, 47, was found living in a trailer on the property. Sheriff’s officials said he had a $5,000 warrant for his arrest and was found to be a felon in possession of tear gas. He’s being held at the Morongo Basin Jail in lieu of $30,000 bail.

Cory Rifenbery, 24, was also arrested on the property. Deputies said he was wanted for spousal abuse and was booked into the Morongo Basin Jail without bail.