Authorities in Orange County have apprehended 20 individuals in connection with a series of burglaries that have been plaguing local residences.
According to the Laguna Beach Police Department, the suspects were connected to various gangs in Los Angeles and were involved in a burglary crime ring.
A crime ring responsible for at least 34 residential burglaries in Orange County has been brought down following a 13-month investigation. Law enforcement officials have arrested five juveniles and 15 adult suspects in connection with the crimes.
The suspects managed to escape with more than $500,000 worth of cash, jewelry, guns, and luxury items. Among their loot was a stolen Range Rover, which was eventually recovered and returned to its rightful owner.
Burglars allegedly used social media posts and messages to track when affluent homeowners were away.
In December 2022, Laguna Beach police were alerted to a residential theft on Skyline Drive, which brought their attention to the existence of a crime ring.
The burglars broke into the house by entering through a window and managed to steal jewelry valued at around $10,000.
In August, a home security camera recorded footage of two burglars wearing masks as they broke into a residence on Alta Laguna Boulevard. The homeowner wasted no time and promptly alerted the police, who managed to identify the suspects’ getaway vehicle.
The police made an unsuccessful attempt to apprehend the suspects, which resulted in a chase. Unfortunately, the suspects managed to escape during the course of the incident.
On December 13, law enforcement conducted a large-scale operation resulting in the apprehension of nine suspects. However, there are still 11 individuals who have evaded capture and are wanted for felony offenses.
Jesus Alberto Guerro, 29, has been charged as one of the two suspects involved in the case. He is facing a total of 14 felony counts of burglary, along with several charges of felony grand theft, grand theft firearm, and first-degree robbery. If found guilty, he could be sentenced to a maximum of 28 years and four months in prison.
Jamari Njie Devon Manning, aged 19, and Nathaniel Eric Roberts, aged 25, have been taken into custody and charged with five counts of first-degree burglary and one count of conspiracy to commit a crime. If found guilty, they could face a maximum sentence of 12 years and 8 months in prison.
“Our homes should be a place where we feel the utmost safety,” stated Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. He emphasized that this feeling of security has been shattered by organized crime rings that target our homes, breaking in to steal cash, jewelry, guns, and cars. These stolen goods are then sold for whatever price they can fetch. The experience of encountering a stranger in your own home, knowing that their sole purpose is to steal from you, is truly terrifying. Spitzer made it clear that if anyone chooses to come to Orange County with the intention of stealing, law enforcement will be relentless in their pursuit. The message is clear: those who engage in these criminal activities will be apprehended, arrested, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Laguna Beach detectives worked together with several police departments, including Anaheim, Cypress, Fullerton, Orange, Placentia, Torrance, and Westminster, as well as the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the ongoing case, suspecting the burglary crew’s involvement in other incidents.
If you have any information, please feel free to contact the O.C. Sheriff’s Department at 714-647-7000. Alternatively, you can provide anonymous tips through Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.
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