A security guard at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), is facing grand theft charges and other felonies and 15 years in prison, following the theft of more than $200,000 worth of Apple devices.
Niyja Bassard, aged 24, was arrested on June 22, for stealing the Apple devices that were intended to be used by UCSF medical center staff. The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Bassard was arraigned on Wednesday and he pleaded not guilty to 17 counts of felony second-degree commercial burglary and 17 counts of grand theft. Bassard also pleaded not guilty to two additional felony counts connected to unauthorized access to UCSF computer systems.
“Commercial burglary deeply impacts small businesses and large institutions alike and must be taken seriously,” San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins told the publication. “In a case like this, we’re talking about equipment that may have been used for life-saving purposes or treatments.”
“We do not underestimate or discount the gravity of this criminal conduct in any case and will seek to hold individuals accountable,” Jenkins continued.
As a security guard, Bassard had access to “various” medical buildings. The locations of the thefts, which began in May 2022 and continued up to June 2023, showed no sign of any forced entry.
Bassard will return to court on July 27, 2023. Until then, he is required to stay off of UCSF Medical Center properties.
(Via AppleInsider)