A Chilean national was convicted for a series of costly and destructive burglaries targeting homes across Ventura County.
Ivan Andre Chamorro Santibanez, 23, of Chile, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for the crimes, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday.
Between Nov. 9, 2023, and Feb. 7, 2024, Santibanez, who is also known as Evan Francisco, targeted homes in Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Camarillo and Simi Valley.
He broke into 10 homes that were all located in upscale neighborhoods. Each house also backed up to an open space area, authorities said.
In each burglary, he smashed a rear window, sliding glass door, or French door to gain access inside. He ransacked the properties and stole valuable items including jewelry, watches, cash and more. In one theft, he stole a safe that contained over $100,000 in cash.
No residents were inside the homes during the burglaries, authorities said.
On Feb. 8, 2024, a Ventura County detective working in Moorpark on an unrelated case spotted Santibanez climbing a hillside in a residential neighborhood, allegedly scouting out his next target.
When the deputy tried to apprehend Santibanez, the man attempted to flee in a vehicle but was eventually taken into custody.
Inside Santibanez’s car, the deputy found items that were commonly used as burglary tools including gloves and a tool bag containing sharpened metal files. Investigators later linked Santibanez to at least 10 burglaries.
“A search of his phone revealed selfies with stolen jewelry and large amounts of cash,” the DA’s office said. “Some of the victims were able to identify their stolen jewelry seen in the photos and being worn by Santibanez.”
During the crimes, Santibanez was on probation for a 2021 residential burglary in Los Angeles County, officials said.
On March 7, Santibanez pled guilty to 10 felony counts of first-degree residential burglary and one felony count of conspiracy to residential burglary.
He admitted to all special allegations and aggravating circumstances including a prior strike for residential burglary and that the crimes were carried out in a manner that indicated planning, sophistication, and professionalism.
On April 7, he was sentenced to 14 years in state prison. The DA’s office said he is a member of a transnational organized crime group.
“This sentence reflects the serious impact residential burglaries have on victims and our community,” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Paul Nuñez. “The defendant carefully planned and executed these crimes, violating the sanctity and safety of people’s homes.”
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