Harbor Police Arrest Man Accused of Grand Theft

Friday, 02 September 2011
Contact: Barbara Moreno (619) 686-6222, (619) 686-6216

Losses Total More than $100,000

A tip to the Port of San Diego Fraud and Ethics Hotline led to the arrest of a man suspected of grand theft in the San Diego boating community.

On Thursday, August 25, San Diego Harbor Police arrested Jose Gracia, 43, of San Diego, on suspicion of grand theft and theft by false pretence.

Gracia, who owns BDR Marine, came under investigation after an alleged victim called the port's hotline to report fraud, said Harbor Police Officer Jeremy Felden.

The hotline was established in 2010 to provide the public with an easy and efficient method to report allegations of misconduct on port tidelands, by port businesses or port employees.

Gracia worked as a mobile marine mechanic. Customers told police he went to marinas both in Mission Bay and San Diego to perform repairs. The customers reported that Gracia allegedly took their deposits for parts and labor, but no work was performed.

Felden said 16 victims were identified during the Harbor Police investigation, but there may be others who have not yet come forward.

Felden said one of the best things the public can do to protect itself against fraud is to work with businesses who take credit cards and not just cash or checks.

"It's easier to track fraud if credit cards are used," Felden said. "Also look into reviews of these companies. For boaters, ask marina managers for referrals."

• Contact Harbor Police at (619) 686-6570 if you think you've been a victim.

The Harbor Police is the law enforcement arm of the Port of San Diego and has 128 sworn officers – all trained as firefighters and police officers. The jurisdiction of the Harbor Police includes San Diego Bay, the San Diego International Airport, as well as the tidelands of the five member cities: San Diego, Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, and National City.