At first glance, setting bail at $1,000,000 for stealing laundry detergent seems like extreme overkill. Considering that Ronald Ledesma of Mission Viejo only allegedly stole 9 bottles of Tide, the bail amount is even more puzzling. Tack on the fact that Ledesma was allegedly on crystal meth and crashed his car during his getaway attempt, and a million dollars still seems excessive.

As Orange County theft attorneys, this case really doesn’t come as much as a surprise. Law enforcement agencies across the country are reporting spikes in the theft of Tide laundry detergent. Apparently the bright orange bottles are a target for thieves because they are easily recognizable and easy to sell on the black market. Yes, there is a black market for laundry detergent. There are even reports of one Maryland man stealing $15,000 worth of Tide over an extended period of time before being caught.

Ledesma is charged with 10 counts of commercial burglary, theft and hit and run. It is tough to say if prosecutors will charge the 10 counts of commercial burglary as a felony or a misdemeanor. Assuming the worst, Ledesma could face as many as 3 years in state prison for each count. Because the hit and run accident caused an injury that sent a paramedic to the hospital, Ledesma could also be facing up to 4 additional years in state prison. Add in the theft charge, and Ledesma is facing up to 35 years in prison for what would have most likely been about $100 of profit if he managed to pull off his crime.