EL DORADO, Calif. — A repeat offender has been sentenced to more than seven years in state prison after a jury found him guilty of stealing a motorcycle from the parking structure at Red Hawk Casino and later attempting to sell it for a fraction of its value, according to the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office.
Judge Mark A. Ralphs sentenced Edward Alvarez on June 5 to seven years and four months in state prison following his convictions for felony vehicle theft and driving on a suspended license, the District Attorney’s Office announced in a June 11 social media post.
Prosecutors said evidence presented during the trial showed Alvarez stole a motorcycle from the Red Hawk Casino parking structure. According to the District Attorney’s Office, Alvarez later rode the motorcycle into the casino’s valet area and attempted to sell it to a valet attendant for $250.
“The victim had not authorized anyone to use the motorcycle,” the District Attorney’s Office said in its statement announcing the sentence.
The jury previously found Alvarez guilty of felony vehicle theft and driving on a suspended license. Court officials said the sentence reflected not only the underlying offenses but also Alvarez’s prior criminal history and other factors considered by the court during sentencing.
While the theft involved a single motorcycle, prosecutors emphasized that California sentencing laws allow judges to consider a defendant’s criminal record and other aggravating circumstances when determining the appropriate punishment.
The case serves as a reminder that vehicle theft remains a serious property crime throughout California and that repeat offenders can face significantly enhanced penalties upon conviction.
The District Attorney’s Office credited the successful prosecution to the evidence presented at trial and the jury’s verdict, which ultimately led to the lengthy prison sentence.
Residents visiting Red Hawk Casino and other public venues are encouraged to remain vigilant and secure their vehicles, as law enforcement agencies continue to investigate and prosecute vehicle theft cases across the region.
Source: El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office Facebook post, June 11, 2026.
