Angels Camp, CA…On 04/24/17 an Angels Camp PD officer took a vehicle theft report, where the suspect entered the victim’s home and threatened the victim with violence if he did not allow him to use his vehicle. The victim said that a mutual friend brought the suspect to his home, and that he only knew him as “Joey.” On 04/26/17 another Angels Camp PD officer was doing follow-up investigation on this case and met with the victim. During the interview the victim advised of a previous incident that occurred on 04/15/17, where the same suspect took the victim’s car after threatening him with violence. After taking the car on 04/15/17, the victim stated that the vehicle was returned on 04/22/17. Fearing violence, the victim did not initially report the first time his vehicle was taken.

During the follow-up interview the victim advised that on 04/24/17, the suspect entered the victim’s home at approximately 1 AM, and took the vehicle a second time after threatening violence if the victim did not comply. The victim said that he was unsure how the suspect got into his home, and he was later advised by a mutual friend that his vehicle was stolen from the suspect while the suspect was in Stockton.

The suspect was ultimately identified through a photo array, where the victim positively identified him. Officers from the Angels Camp PD went to the suspect’s address in Copperopolis to interview him, and arrested Joseph J. Lecompte, a 26 year old male. Lecompte provided a statement and confirmed that the vehicle was stolen from him while he was in Stockton, after he was beaten and robbed. Lecompte denied taking the vehicle against the victim’s will, stating that he had permission from the victim to drive the vehicle. Lecompte had no explanation as to why he did not report the battery and robbery that occurred where he was the victim in Stockton.

During the follow-up investigation on 04/26/17, officers were advised that San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office recovered the victim’s vehicle in San Joaquin County, and the victim was notified.

Lecompte was transported and booked into the Calaveras County Jail, on charges related to burglary (two counts), robbery (two counts), vehicle theft (two counts), and criminal threats.