CALIFORNIA COMPUTER THIEVES CAUGHT San Clemente Times - Local News You Can Use

Men Arrested in Connection to SC Burglaries

February 28, 2008

Vol. 3, Issue 9, February 28–March 5, 2008

THE LATEST: Authorities have arrested two men believed to be responsible for burglarizing at least a dozen homes in Talega and Forster Ranch since November while the residents slept. “They waited until they went to bed, broke into the downstairs and took computers , electronics and loose items, like wallets and purses,” said Investigator Marcus Carter of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. No further burglaries of this nature have been reported since the arrests.

Aaron Johnson, 20, originally of San Clemente was arrested on January 16 when he was caught driving a stolen vehicle in Oceanside. After he was apprehended, deputies found stolen property in his possession linking him to the San Clemente burglaries.

Machello Jones, 27, was arrested on January 23 at a San Clemente apartment. Jones, who Carter says has a long rap sheet, was linked to the burglaries after investigators found his fingerprints at the scene.

According to Carter, Johnson and Jones are believed to be involved with the dozen burglaries because of the similarities of the crimes. In each of the reports the burglars waited for residents to sleep before breaking into the home. Carter believes the computers and electronics stolen were later sold. “We’re still going to follow up and trying to find the property,” he said. “As soon as they stole [the electronics] I’m pretty sure they were gone.”

The apprehension of the two suspects drew praise from San Clemente Mayor Joe Anderson who lauded investigators for their efforts. “I am relieved to see the residential burglaries come to a stop as a result of the recent arrests and thankful to have the Orange County Sheriff’s Department patrolling our community,” he said.

WHAT’S NEXT: Investigators are still looking for more accomplices and attempting to recover stolen property. Carter asks that anyone with information call 949.361.8272.

FIND OUT MORE: www.ocsd.org

—NW