[KevinG]

We had a similar case a few months ago here in Ventura county. Seems a lady went on vacation for a week, and when she came back a large pepper tree was missing from her back yard. A tree service had been called to remove the tree by a neighbor, probably posing as the property owner since the tree service got stuck for a $3,500 tree removal bill.

Police were called, and the value of the missing tree was set at $70K+. Felony grand theft. After several weeks of investigation, one of her neighbors turned himself in. Lady is currently pressuring the DA to not make a deal - she wants the felony conviction.