Ex-investment advisor accused of Beverly Hills window smashings
A 58-year old former investment advisor accused of repeatedly smashing windows at more than 75 stores and homes in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles faces six charges of vandalism, four counts of possession of weapons and one count of possession of methamphetamine, the Los Angeles County district attorney's office announced Thursday.
Michael Steven Poret, a former investment adviser for the Beverly Hills office of UBS Financial Services, is accused of driving through neighborhoods in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, breaking windows with weapons, including a slingshot. He caused $65,000 to $125,000 in damage over a six-month period, according to the district attorney's office.
Police initially suspected juveniles for the crimes, but witness accounts from store employees on Ventura Boulevard described a graying middle aged man with white gloves driving a silver SUV.
Poret was arrested twice in July and released on bail after refusing to answer questions. Police discovered an arsenal of slingshots, marbles, BB guns and firearms at his Encino hills home and found knives, metal knuckles and projectiles in his vehicle. His second arrest on July 12 ended his employment with UBS Financial Services, said spokeswoman Karina Byrne.
Deputy Dist. Atty. Annemarie Acosta said Poret's motive is still a mystery.
Poret will be arraigned in Beverly Hills Superior Court on Sept. 28, and the district attorney's office has asked bail to be set at $360,000. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years and eight months in county jail.
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-- Frank Shyong
Photo: Michael Steven Poret. Credit: KTLA-TV, Channel 5
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