Crime & Safety
Security Guard Enters Not Guilty Plea to Alleged Thefts of Lakers Championship Rings
The man, who faces felony burglary and grand theft charges, is believed to have taken other items worth close to $20,000.
A security guard suspected of stealing two Los Angeles Lakers championship rings and other items from the team's El Segundo training facility pleaded not guilty Thursday to felony burglary and grand theft charges.
Eddie J. Monterroso, 23, was arrested Tuesday as he left the training facility in the 500 block of North Nash Street, El Segundo police Lt. Jaime Bermudez said.
In addition to the rings, Monterroso is suspected of taking gift cards valued at nearly $20,000, Bermudez said, adding that the arrest followed an extensive investigation that began Dec. 5.
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"A search of the suspect's home in Inglewood yielded evidence of the theft as well as the championship rings," Bermudez said.
The alleged crimes took place between Oct. 24 and Dec. 5, according to the District Attorney's Office, which listed the suspect's name as Mejia Eddie Monterroso.
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Monterroso was being held in lieu of $35,000 bail and was due to appear at the Airport Courthouse on Jan. 2, authorities said.
- City News Service
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