Petty Theft results in Proposition 36 Arrest 

February 3, 2025 – Riverside County Sheriff's Office officials report that on Thursday, January 30, 2025, deputies assigned to the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station Robbery/Burglary Suppression Team conducted a quality-of-life operation in conjunction with loss prevention officers from a business located in the 18200 block of Collier Avenue, Lake Elsinore. During this operation, three subjects were identified as stealing from the business. The suspects were identified as Nicholas Wilhelm, a 46-year-old resident of Lake Elsinore; Thomas Thorsborne, a 30-year-old resident of Menifee; and Iran Flores Alvarado, a 39-year-old resident of Lake Elsinore. Wilhelm and Thorsborne qualified for Prop 36 charges and were booked into Cois Byrd Detention Center for shoplifting and petty theft with priors. Flores Alvarado was booked into Cois Byrd Detention Center for shoplifting.

With the enactment of Proposition 36, those committing thefts can be prosecuted for a felony if they have two prior convictions of similar offenses. The Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station takes all crimes seriously and will prosecute violators to the fullest extent of the law.

This is an ongoing investigation, and no further information is available. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Deputies Noel or Castro at the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station (951) 245-3300.

As a reminder, “Community Policing” involves partnerships between law enforcement and community members. Business owners and residents are encouraged to report criminal activity directly to law enforcement by calling Sheriff’s Dispatch at (951) 776-1099 or 911 if the matter is an emergency.

Reporting Supervisor: Sergeant Robert Thomas

File # Multiple 

Source: Riverside County Sheriff's Office