James McMahon (left) and Michael Kellner (right)

New sheriff has ‘zero tolerance’ for repeat crimes 

Two local young men, Michael Kellner, 26, and James McMahon, 22, have been arrested for a series of burglaries in Idyllwild, Kellner on May 29 and McMahon on May 30.

Both men were charged with burglary and possession of stolen property. McMahon also was charged with grand theft using a firearm, and using personal identity of another person to obtain credit. All of these are felony charges. Besides the burglary and parole violation, Kellner was charged with possession of heroin.

A felony settlement conference for both men was scheduled for June 10, but was then moved to June 13. Also, a criminal protective order has been filed against McMahon.

Although the judicial process is starting, Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputy Frank James has said that the county’s new sheriff, Chad Bianco, has “… a zero tolerance for these types of crimes. He’s done with the policy of ‘Don’t do it again!’”

James also urged local residents, whether full-time or part-time, to report thefts. Based on the devices and other valuables found with Kellner and McMahon, he is convinced that burglaries, particularly of vehicles, are going unreported.

“Please call us,” he said.

Also, he would like any information about the possible theft of firearms. Any information about these can be given to the Hemet Station at 951-791-3400. 

Both McMahon and Kellner are still in custody. McMahon’s bail was set at $70,000 and Kellner’s bail is set at $30,000.

The investigations are ongoing so James was not willing to release more details on the burglaries — whether they were related to recent commercial burglaries or were residential in nature.