Two individuals face prison time for a physical altercation that occurred after...

Two individuals face prison time for a physical altercation that occurred after stealing goods from El Milagro Market on Panama Lane.

In a case presented by Deputy DA Spencer Scher, a Kern County jury found Melissa Singh guilty of felony second-degree robbery and Julian Singh guilty of felony attempted second-degree robbery.

On July 22, 2023, the victim, a female store manager of the store, confronted Melissa Singh stealing two cans of ‘Twisted Tea.’ With the stolen merchandise in hand, Melissa Singh punched the store manager in the face. The physical altercation continued into the parking lot whereupon Julian Singh violently punched the store manager in the face. The altercation lasted approximately one minute until the Singhs fled the scene. The store manager received medical aid for her injuries which included bruising to the face and scratches on her neck and face.

DA Zimmer commented; “When force is used to get away with stolen property, the offense is elevated to felony robbery under the law. Shoplifters who escalate their crime by use of force can expect robbery charges, which are punishable by up to 5 years in prison.”

A court trial on the bifurcated prior-conviction allegations is scheduled for today. A sentencing date will follow. Melissa Singh is facing up to five years in state prison. Julian Singh is facing up to 11 years in state prison. He faces a substantially enhanced sentence because of a prior “serious” felony conviction. As a result of this prior strike, his potential sentence is doubled, in addition to a five-year sentencing enhancement.