January 5, 2026 – Riverside County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on December 10, 2025, and December 13, 2025, deputies assigned to the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station responded to multiple businesses in Rancho Mirage and Palm Desert, regarding reports of stolen Tesla electric vehicle charging units.

During the course of the investigation, the suspect was identified as Seth Steven Lopez, a 40-year-old resident of Palm Desert. On December 31, 2025, deputies from the Rancho Mirage Special Enforcement Team, Palm Desert Business District Team, and Robbery Burglary Suppression Team, located Lopez in area of Bob Hope Drive and Sunrise Drive, Rancho Mirage, where he was taken into custody without incident. Deputies subsequently responded to a residence in the 75000 block of Orange Blossom Lane, Palm Desert, and served a search warrant related to the investigation. Lopez was arrested at booked at the John Benoit Detention Center for multiple counts of grand theft and petty theft.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind business owners with electric vehicle charging stations to implement safety and theft deterrent measures, such as installation of properly functioning security cameras, adequate lighting, protective enclosures, alarm systems, and to ensure installation is done by a qualified person.

Community members who believe they may have been a victim of stolen Tesla charging equipment, or who have information related to this investigation, are encouraged to contact Deputy Cazee or Deputy Hindiyeh at the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station at (760) 836-1600.

Reporting Supervisor: Sergeant Bryan Whitley

File # S253650020

Source: Riverside County Sheriff’s Office