7 suspects charged in organized LA home burglary ring using Wi-Fi jammers

Seven people face felony charges in connection with a series of organized residential burglaries targeting homes across Los Angeles County, including at least 20 burglaries against crews operating throughout the San Fernando Valley, prosecutors announced Tuesday.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the suspects are accused of committing “brazen, calculated and predatory” crimes that left victims feeling unsafe in their own homes.

“These organized burglary crews are targeting hard-working families where they should feel safest: their homes,” Hochman said at a news conference. “If you come into our communities to terrorize our neighborhoods and prey on innocent people, law enforcement will pursue you and you will be held accountable.”

The cases highlight a growing problem involving sophisticated burglary crews, including organized South American burglary groups, operating in Southern California using sophisticated tactics to evade detection and target affluent neighborhoods, authorities said.

HOMEOWNERS IN LEAFY AREAS ARE RESETTING HIGHER-END HOMES HIT BY THIEVES FOR PARTS AND CAPTURE POINTS

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna warned residents that many teams conduct extensive surveillance before burglaries, often monitoring victims’ social media posts for expensive purchases or vacation photos that indicate homes may be vacant.

“Please, whatever you do, don’t tell the world you’re in Paris when you’re living in Los Angeles,” Luna said.

Investigators said some crews posed as delivery drivers, using fake DoorDash, Uber Eats or Amazon bags to approach homes without arousing suspicion. Others use hidden cameras disguised as landscape decoration and Wi-Fi jamming devices designed to disable home security systems and cloud-connected surveillance cameras.

THIEVES WERE CAUGHT SEEING HOMES WITH HIDDEN CAMOUFLAGE CAMERAS BEFORE ATTACKING THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Investigators seized luxury items, jewelry and handbags allegedly linked to organized theft crews operating in Southern California. (LA County District Attorney’s Office)

One of the biggest cases involves Byron Gonzálo Sáez Sotomayor, also known as Kevin Diaz, who prosecutors say is charged with 15 counts of first-degree residential burglary, three counts of attempted first-degree residential burglary and one count of grand theft of a firearm.

Authorities allege Sáez Sotomayor burglarized or attempted to burglarize 18 homes in the San Fernando Valley and West Los Angeles between January 2025 and May 2026, including homes in Reseda, Van Nuys, Encino, Granada Hills, Sun Valley, Beverlywood and Westwood. Prosecutors alleged she stole jewelry, a purse, money and a firearm.

Sáez Sotomayor was arrested May 4 after allegedly breaking into a Beverlywood-area home while a resident was home, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said.

THEFT FROM BRAD PITT’S LA HOME LEADS TO 4 ARRESTS IN ONGOING POLICE INVESTIGATION

A Los Angeles County home was damaged following an alleged break-in tied to a residential burglary squad investigation. (LA County District Attorney’s Office)

After hearing a loud crash in the back of the property, the homeowner saw the suspect on security cameras and locked himself in the bathroom before calling 911, according to McDonnell.

Three other suspects (Christopher Sanchez, Owen Rivera-Chacon and Edisson Fabian Boyaca) were charged with first-degree residential burglary stemming from an alleged burglary that occurred May 1 in Santa Clarita.

Investigators with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office tracked the suspected crew into Los Angeles County before coordinating with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for a removal operation along the highway, authorities said.

SENIOR POLICE SHOW MASKED THEFT TEAM TERRORISING IN RITZY NEIGHBORHOODS ‘SHOWED THEY WERE DOING THEIR HOMEWORK’

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman and regional law enforcement officials announced charges against seven suspects accused of a string of residential burglaries in Southern California. (LA County District Attorney’s Office)

While deputies arrested Sanchez after stopping a vehicle on the highway, Rivera-Chacon allegedly fled on foot before being found in a nearby dry creek bed. Boyaca was later arrested about a mile away while driving another vehicle, authorities said.

Investigators seized jewelry, cash, a luxury handbag, gloves, burglary tools and a Wi-Fi jammer from the suspects’ vehicles, according to law enforcement officials.

Rivera-Chacon also faces charges stemming from a previous strike conviction for residential burglary and could face up to 17 years in prison if convicted. Sanchez and Boyaca each face up to six years in prison.

AUTHORITIES SAY HIDDEN CAMERAS HIDING IN YOUR GARDEN MAY BE WATCHING YOUR EVERY MOVEMENT

Jewelry allegedly stolen during a series of residential burglaries in Los Angeles County are on display by investigators. (LA County District Attorney’s Office)

The latest case, announced Tuesday, names Wilmar Santiago Castelblanco-Robles, Alan Rolando Rodriguez-Pulido and Cristian Rios-Cuadros, each charged with first-degree felony burglary in connection with an alleged break-in at a Burbank home on April 26.

Authorities said neighbors saw the suspects breaking into the home and called police. Investigators allege Rios-Cuadros and Castelblanco-Robles fled on foot before officers used a police helicopter equipped with a heat detection device to detect where they were hiding nearby.

Rodriguez-Pulido was later arrested while driving the suspected getaway vehicle, where officers seized wallets, luxury handbags, watches and jewelry believed to have been stolen from other victims.

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Luna said residential burglaries reported to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department have dropped more than 30% since 2022, but acknowledged that crime statistics offer little comfort to victims whose homes have been invaded.

“A victim whose shelter was broken into – I don’t care what the statistics say,” Luna said. “They broke into my house, and I don’t feel safe sleeping there. That’s why we’re all here. That’s why we’re going to keep pushing to make sure we catch these people.”