Newport man, lawyer arraigned for alleged break-in at foreclosed home

A Newport Beach man and his lawyer were arraigned Tuesday for allegedly trying to break into his foreclosed home, the Orange County district attorney’s office said in a news release.

Rene Hector Zapeda, 72, the former homeowner, retained Michael Theodore Pines, 59, of San Diego, as his attorney after losing the Newport Coast house to foreclosure in July 2009.

Prosecutors allege that Pines advised Zapeda that the foreclosure was illegal.

He and his client went to the home at 19 Coral Cay with a locksmith Oct. 13, 2010, after informing the media, Newport Beach police and the real estate agent entrusted with the home that they were going there to repossess it, the D.A.’s office alleges.

When officers arrived, Pines advised Zapeda to enter the home, despite officers’ warnings that he could be arrested for illegally entering it, the release said. They entered the home by breaking a window, the release said.

Both men are charged with one misdemeanor each of vandalism, second-degree burglary and unauthorized entry of a dwelling. If convicted, both face up to one year in jail and a $10,000 fine.

Pine’s license was suspended in May. He also faces criminal charges in Ventura and San Diego counties, the release said.

—Lauren Williams