Lone female in South Okanagan rural crime spree makes court appearance

PENTICTON – The lone female among four alleged thieves involved in a series of break and enters and mailbox damage in the Twin Lakes area may make bail if she can find a $1,000 surety.

Chelsey Anne Thorstenson, 28, appeared in court before Judge Gale Sinclair today, Dec. 30, charged with possession of stolen property under $5,000, theft over $5,000 and possession of a controlled substance following her apprehension along with three men Dec. 23.

Crown Prosecutor Nashina Devji alleged the four were involved in a series of break and enters, including mailbox damage and entry in the Twin Lakes – Grand Oro Road area on Wednesday morning last week.

Devji noted Thorstenson was on probation at the time and neglected to contact her bail supervisor for several months prior to Dec. 2.

Police followed Thorstenson’s footprints after she and the three men involved in the crimes abandoned their Mitsubishi Lancer on Saddlehorn Drive in Kaleden, scattering in all directions. When arrested, a search revealed bear spray, marijuana, and a face mask in her purse.

Part of her probation order included a condition not to consume or possess drugs.

Devji further noted Thorstenson had a prior breach of conditions in Kamloops, as well as seven previous theft convictions, saying Thorstenson had “gone on an absolute crime spree in a very short time,” following her most recent release on probation. She said the four accused had done “an astounding amount of damage in a short period of time,"
arguing for Thorstenson’s detention.

Defense lawyer James Pennington told court there was no evidence indicating Thorstenson was in the vehicle during the break and enters and mailbox damage. He said Thorstenson was picked up at her home in Keremeos and thought she was going to Penticton.

He also explained his client had attempted to reach her probation officer during the time she was accused of having lost contact, leaving voice messages and eventually getting in touch two weeks late.

Pennington said his client had also been in custody since her arrest on Dec. 23, and had not had any opportunities to practice daily hygiene in the Penticton RCMP lockup since then.

Sinclair insisted on an individually sponsored, $1,000 surety, along with bail conditions that included staying away from the Twin Lakes – Grand Oro Road area, her three alleged accomplices, and alcohol and drugs.

Thorstenson’s next appearance in court is slated for Jan. 6, 2016.

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