IN BRIEF

-- Greg Risling

A serial burglar who focused his attention on ritzy Newport Beach homes

will wait another two weeks to find out if he will spend the rest of his

life in prison.

Robert Peter Vordale, 48, will return to court Feb. 4 when a judge will

impose a sentence for a rash of thefts over a 13-month span.

Vordale was found guilty in November of 13 felony burglary counts.

Because he was convicted twice in the mid-1980s, Vordale is considered a

“three strikes” candidate and could face a life sentence.

Vordale, a former Newport Harbor High School student, was arrested in

June 1998 when police found him less a block away from a burglary he

committed. Police found a stolen suitcase in Vordale’s possession that

contained jewelry and silverware.

They also found a stolen 1996 Land Rover that Vordale was driving. Police

discovered more stolen property, along with Vordale’s driver’s license

and passport, in the vehicle.

Prosecutors said Vordale was attracted to expensive items and found most

of his loot in posh Newport Beach mansions. He was arrested in 1985 when

police tied him to several burglaries in the Spyglass Hill neighborhood.