Mocobizscene- In a recent development, law enforcement authorities have successfully apprehended 20 individuals involved in a series of residential burglaries throughout Orange County.
According to the Laguna Beach Police Department, the suspects were connected to various gangs based in Los Angeles and worked together as a burglary crime ring.
Five juveniles and 15 adult suspects have been arrested following a 13-month investigation. Authorities have attributed at least 34 residential burglaries in Orange County to this crime ring.
The suspects managed to escape with more than $500,000 worth of cash, jewellery, guns, and luxury items. One of the incidents involved the theft of a Range Rover, but fortunately, the vehicle was later found and returned to its rightful owner.
In December 2022, the Laguna Beach police were alerted to a crime ring after a residential theft occurred on Skyline Drive. The suspects entered the home by entering through a window and stole jewelry valued at approximately $10,000.
In August, a home surveillance camera recorded when two burglars, wearing masks, forcefully entered a residence on Alta Laguna Boulevard. The homeowner promptly alerted the authorities, who swiftly responded and managed to identify the getaway vehicle used by the suspects.
The police attempted to pull the suspects over, but their efforts were unsuccessful, resulting in a pursuit. Unfortunately, the suspects managed to escape during the incident.
On December 13th, law enforcement conducted a large-scale sweep operation, resulting in the arrest of nine suspects. However, there are still 11 individuals who remain at large and have felony warrants issued against them.
Jesus Alberto Guerro, aged 29, has been charged along with another suspect in a case involving multiple criminal activities. Guerro is facing a total of 14 felony counts, including burglary, as well as charges of felony grand theft, grand theft firearm, and first-degree robbery. He could potentially be sentenced to a maximum of 28 years and four months in prison if found guilty.
Jamari Njie Devon Manning, aged 19, and Nathaniel Eric Roberts, aged 25, have been apprehended and accused of committing five felony counts of first-degree burglary and one felony count of conspiracy to commit a crime. If found guilty, they could each face a maximum sentence of 12 years and 8 months in prison.
“Our homes should be where we feel the most secure,” expressed Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. He emphasized that this feeling of safety has been shattered by organized crime rings, who are brazenly breaking into people’s homes to steal cash, jewellery, guns, and cars. These stolen goods are then sold for whatever price they can fetch. There are few experiences as terrifying as encountering a stranger in your own home, knowing that they are there solely to rob you. In Orange County, if you come to steal, rest assured that we will track you down, apprehend you, and ensure that you face the full force of the law.”
Laguna Beach detectives worked closely with several police departments, including Anaheim, Cypress, Fullerton, Orange, Placentia, Torrance, and Westminster, in addition to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities suspect the burglary crew is connected to other cases.
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