A Rancho Cucamonga man pleaded no contest on Tuesday to allegations that he burglarized cars at cemeteries in Los Angeles County while the vehicles’ owners mourned.
David Bassett, 44, was sentenced to four years in state prison on four counts of second-degree burglary of a vehicle, according to the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office. He’s also scheduled to appear in a restitution hearing on March 28.
In February 2024, Bassett targeted mourners at two Forest Lawn cemeteries and the Oakwood Memorial Park and Cemetery, prosecutors said. In some cases, he took credit cards from burglarized vehicles and spent the victims’ money.
In November, the Chino Hills Police Department said Bassett worked with two accomplices, Jimmy Griffin, 36, and Angela Desiderato, 42. The status of their cases was unknown.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman said Bassett’s actions are “despicable.”
“Preying on people in their most vulnerable moments — while they’re mourning and paying their respects — is beyond reprehensible,” Hochman said. “Let this be a warning: If you exploit the grief of others for personal gain, you will be caught, and you will be prosecuted.”
