Former Mupu Elementary custodians arrested for school theft, vandalism
Richard Apodaca, 55, and Eric Steinberg, 54, were arrested Oct. 15 after a July investigation found stolen school property and thousands of dollars in damage at the Santa Paula-area campus.
Ventura County Sheriff's Fillmore detectives arrested two former Mupu Elementary School custodians on Oct. 15 for grand theft, felony vandalism, and conspiracy after a July investigation found stolen school property and thousands of dollars in damage at the campus north of Santa Paula.
The incident. During late July 2026, patrol deputies from the Sheriff's Fillmore Station responded to Mupu Elementary School in the 4400 block of N. Ojai Road in unincorporated Santa Paula regarding a reported vandalism and grand theft investigation. During the initial investigation, staff identified former custodians Richard Apodaca, 55, and Eric Steinberg, 54, as the suspected individuals involved.
What was found. The investigation revealed the theft of school property and vandalism that resulted in damages estimated to be in thousands of dollars, according to the Oct. 16 news release.
The search warrant. The Fillmore Detective Unit subsequently assumed the investigation and conducted additional follow-up. As a result, detectives obtained a search warrant for Apodaca, Steinberg, and their residence in the 200 block of Los Cabos Lane, unincorporated Ventura.
The arrest. On Oct. 15, 2026, at about 4:00 p.m., personnel from the Fillmore Detective Unit and West County Special Enforcement Unit served the search warrant at Apodaca's and Steinberg's residence, which resulted in the seizure of evidence related to the crimes under investigation.
Charges. Both were arrested for grand theft, felony vandalism, and conspiracy to commit a crime. They were transported to the Sheriff's Pre-Trial Detention Facility where they were booked pending court proceedings.
How to help. Anyone with information may contact Detective Axel Morales at 805-477-7011 or Detective Dustin Heersche at 805-477-7012.
Sources
- Ventura County Sheriff's Office Nixle alert 12762007, Report 26-95155, Oct. 16, 2026 (sheriff news release (Nixle))Oct 16, 2026
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