News & Columns > G.T. Houts > Gypsy Paver Case Pending Review

Gypsy Paver Case Pending Review

Nothing Filed by District Attorney

By G.T. Houts
Friday, September 19, 2008

San Bernardino, CA – The San Bernardino County District Attorney is currently reviewing the case against the suspect known as the "gypsy paver."

Spokesperson Susan Mickey told RIMOFTHEWORLD.net that nothing had been filed against James Robert Lucas, 32, from Perris, who was arrested a week ago in Running Springs.

San Bernardino County Sheriff's deputies and CHP officers responded to a report at 4:45 p.m. September 12 that the so-called "gypsy paver" was canvassing a Running Springs neighborhood for business.

Lucas allegedly had approached two victims and told them he had left over cement and would pave their driveways in the 32000 block of Parkland Drive for $120.

In a news release issued by deputy Dave Mascetti, Lucas was reportedly at one of the victim's houses cleaning the area and preparing to repair the driveway with cement. Lucas was detained at the scene. During the investigation and search of Lucas' vehicle, evidence was reportedly found substantiating his crimes.

Central Detention Center (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

Lucas was taken into custody and booked at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino on charges of grand theft, diversion of construction funds, and operating without a contractor's license.

On Thursday, October 16 at 8:30 a.m., Judge James Dorr will hold a hearing on a petition to revoke Lucas' probation after being convicted on charges of contracting without a license and grant theft of property over $400. The violation date of those offenses was July 5, 2007.

Judge Dorr arraigned Lucas on Wednesday (September 17) on a bench warrant, which was discharged, and the court ordered probation revoked pending next month's hearing in Department S-27.

Mountain residents who feel they have been a victim of Lucas are urged to contract the Twin Peaks Sheriff's Station at (909) 336-0600.