Man, Woman Accused of Burglarizing Deceased Woman's Home in Highland

A man and a woman have been accused of burglary and possessing stolen property from the home of an elderly woman whose death was discovered in early March in Highland, according to the Sheriff's Department.

Joanie Eckland was in her 70s and her death was not suspicious, Sgt. Maggie Finneran of the sheriff's Highland Station said Monday in a phone interview.

Eckland had numerous medical problems and she had lived alone for many years, Finneran said. Someone discovered Eckland deceased in her home in the 28900 block of Elder Creek Lane on March 8.

"Her family did not live close, and it took several days for them to come to her home to take possession of her property and residence and to put her affairs in order," Finneran said in a statement.

Eckland's remains had been removed from the home before the alleged burglaries occurred, Finneran said.

Shortly after the discovery of Eckland's death, and before her family members arrived, Eckland's neighbor Perla Alba allegedly broke into the residence, Finneran said.

Alba, 35, allegedly took items including "family heirlooms and jewelry, valuable crystal and stemware, family silver and flatware, as well as artwork, antiques and personal items, all belonging to Eckland," Finneran said.

Alba allegedly entered the residence on several occassions to scavenge for more items, and at least two of those times she brought her 12-year-old daughter and her 12-year-old friend, Finneran said.

Alba allegedly gave the two girls several items from Eckland's home to keep for themselves, Finneran said. Alba told the girls never to tell anyone what they had done.

"Alba told the girls that no one would ever know what was missing from the residence because Eckland had so many things that her family would never know what was missing," Finneran said.

Some of the alleged stolen items were recovered from the two 12-year-olds, Finneran said.

On March 28, Eckland's family told law enforcement there was more than $30,000 worth of property missing from Eckland's home, Finneran said.

"In addition to the jewelry, crystal and flatware, they are missing a handgun that belonged to their grandfather," Finneran said. "As they sort through Eckland's belongings, they continue to find more items missing."

Later on March 28, deputies served a search warrant at the residence of Alba and a man named Janos Farkas, 43, Finneran said.

"Several of the items taken from Eckland's residence after she died were found," Finneran said. "Many of the items are still missing, and suspected to be hidden by Alba at other residences, or to have been pawned."

Alba and Farkas were arrested at 12:18 p.m. Friday March 29 at 28950 Elder Creek Lane, according to inmate records. They were booked at West Valley Detention Center on suspicion of burglary and possession of stolen property.

They were both released early March 30, according to inmate records.

Alba and Farkas may face additional charges of child abuse and contributing to the delinquency of minors, Finneran said. Alba and Farkas could not be reached to comment for this report.

"Many of the items taken from Eckland's residence were family heirlooms and have deep sentimental value," Finneran said. "The family is heartbroken that so much was taken."

The neighborhood where Eckland lives is about five miles north of downtown Redlands.

Anyone who was allegedly given items to hold or keep by Alba or Farkas was urged to call the sheriff's Highland Station at (909) 425-9793.

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