Magazine Solicitor Charged With Taking Diamond Bracelet from Bathroom

A 23-year-old woman was arrested Sunday night while part of a group soliciting magazine subscriptions after a resident noticed a $900 diamond bracelet missing from her bathroom, authorities said.

Courtney Deeanne Townsend of San Diego was arrested at 8:17 p.m. at 9395 Hilmer Drive, according to police records. The same woman also faces a charge of loitering with intent to commit prostitution—an earlier case.

She had matched the description given by the victim, who let a solicitor into her house on Amaya Drive to use the bathroom, said police Lt. Dan Willis.

“The suspect was subsequently arrested for the warrant and during a search, the diamond bracelet was located hidden in [her] pants,” Willis said Monday morning.  “The suspect was booked into County Jail for residential burglary, the burglary arrest warrant, and for falsely identifying herself to police.”

The suspect and another solicitor contacted the female victim by knocking on the victim’s door in the 5600 block of Amaya Drive, Willis said. 

After the bracelet was reported missing after 8 p.m., La Mesa police were called, he said.  While searching the surrounding area, they found a group of solicitors. 

“One of them matched the description of the suspect and while she was being detained, it was discovered that she had a felony arrest warrant for burglary,” Willis said.

Townsend is being held on $60,000 bail, with an arraignment on the La Mesa charges scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at El Cajon Superior Court, according to jail records.

Willis noted that it is unlawful to solicit in the city without a La Mesa solicitation permit. The exceptions, per the Municipal Code, are disabled veterans and children under 17 years. All others, including charities, must be permitted, he said.

“If contacted by a solicitor, ask to see their city of La Mesa solicitor’s permit,” he said.  “If they do not have one, politely end your conversation and report the illegal solicitation to the La Mesa Police Department at 667-1400.”

He added: If you see solicitors in your neighborhood, contact the Police Department so officers can determine whether the solicitors are properly permitted. 

“It is not unusual for criminals to act as solicitors in order to attempt to find out if anyone is home, or to gain access into your home,” he said.