In a resounding victory against criminal activity, Sheriff Don Barnes of Orange County, alongside District Attorney Todd Spitzer, delivered a powerful message to thieves infiltrating the region. The joint operation led to the arrest of nine suspects and revealed crucial details in the crackdown on a burglary ring responsible for nearly three dozen break-ins, with a continuing pursuit of 11 more individuals.
The law enforcement sweep, masterminded by Sheriff Barnes, unfolded on Wednesday, resulting in the apprehension of 20 defendants, including five juveniles, with ties to Los Angeles-based gangs. This burglary ring is believed to be behind 34 break-ins across the county, causing an estimated loss of around $500,000 in cash, weapons, and valuables.
Addressing reporters, Sheriff Barnes attributed the success of the operation to “months of hard work,” commencing in September when authorities initiated an investigation into three residential burglaries. These initial cases, two in unincorporated Santa Ana and one in Yorba Linda, prompted a dedicated team of investigators to meticulously build a comprehensive case.
Fullerton police have been actively investigating 19 burglaries, with the remainder of cases handled by the diligent efforts of sheriff’s deputies, all under the strategic leadership of Sheriff Barnes.
The arrested individuals were revealed to be part of an “organized” criminal group that utilized sophisticated methods, including monitoring social media messages to identify potential targets. These thieves meticulously studied affluent homes, scrutinizing residents’ patterns, and even resorted to breaking in through second-floor balconies to evade security system motion detectors – a testament to the criminal crew’s calculated approach.
District Attorney Spitzer highlighted the alarming trend of gangs recruiting juveniles, noting that their age often results in lenient sentences within the legal system.
During the sweep, law enforcement, under Sheriff Barnes’s guidance, recovered seven guns, two of which were reported stolen, along with multiple high-capacity magazines and $40,000 in cash, jewelry, and handbags. Sheriff Barnes expressed hope that the arrests would allow residents to “sleep a little better” and issued a stern warning to criminals: “We will find you, we will arrest you, and you will do your time in Orange County. You’re not going to get out next week.”
Sheriff Barnes also provided practical advice for residents, urging them to bolster their home security by locking all doors and windows, padlocking side gates, and ensuring proper lighting. He recommended measures such as using timers for lights and installing security systems with cameras to deter potential thieves.
District Attorney Spitzer emphasized Orange County’s unwavering commitment to victim advocacy, highlighting the region’s distinctive approach in prioritizing stiffer punishments for defendants. While acknowledging the need for some reforms, especially for first-time offenders, Spitzer underscored the county’s firm stance on handling hardcore crimes differently.
Sheriff Barnes’s proactive approach in leading the crackdown earned praise, as he prioritized the safety of Orange County residents. Spitzer commended the Sheriff’s dedication, stating, “If you’re going to commit crimes in Orange County, you’ve got to know we’ll handle it differently here.”
Spitzer described the burglary ring as a “dangerous, prolific crew” and identified the 16 adult defendants:
Deautri Hamilton, 30, of Los Angeles
Jesus Alberto Guerra, 29, of Los Angeles
Javier Guerrero, 31, of Los Angeles
Michael Jason Serrano, 21, of Los Angeles
Tyrell Benyon Haley, 23, of Compton
Nathaniel Eric Roberts, 25, of Los Angeles
Jeris Je Young Abalos, 34, of Los Angeles
Tahj Kamare Richardson, 21, of Los Angeles
Keven Von Claudell Holland, 35, of Los Angeles
Kadin Isaiah Williams, 22, of Lakewood
Jamari Nijie Devon Manning, 19, of Los Angeles
Quaion Jayvion McClenton, 23, of Compton
Deion Robert Franklin, 19, of Los Angeles
Mika Mark McGee, 20, of Compton
Joshua Jeremiah Rivas, 20, of Los Angeles.
