Payam Javan: The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office has successfully apprehended three individuals linked to an extensive organized burglary and identity theft ring operating across the Bay Area. The investigation was initiated following a residential burglary in Cupertino on June 20, 2025, where a family reported the theft of nearly $18,000 in valuables, including jewelry, electronics, and two Porsche vehicles. This initial crime quickly escalated as detectives connected the stolen cars to additional criminal activities spanning San Jose, Santa Clara, and other regions.
The case evolved into a significant collaborative effort involving multiple divisions of the Sheriff’s Office, including the Regional Auto Theft Task Force (RATTF), West Valley Patrol Division, Special Enforcement Division, and Headquarters Patrol Division. Surveillance footage from various sources proved crucial in generating leads and identifying the suspects. Detective Roslyn Weatherall, the lead investigator, highlighted how a single crime can rapidly reveal broader networks of theft and fraud, emphasizing the importance of inter-divisional cooperation in uncovering and preventing further harm.
On July 17, a coordinated takedown operation was executed at the Hayes Mansion Hotel in San Jose, after Patrol Deputy Jason Aguilar located one of the stolen vehicles there. Detectives Jesus Plancarte and Weatherall secured search warrants, leading to the arrest of Emillano Ontiveros, 39, and Brandi French, 26, both from San Jose, without incident. Kevin Monge, 36, was also arrested. All three suspects face charges including burglary, receiving stolen property, identity theft, check fraud, drug possession, and possession of burglary tools.
A search of the suspects’ hotel room yielded a substantial amount of evidence, including 500 pieces of stolen mail, 200 checks, 24 counterfeit driver’s licenses, 25 stolen credit cards, and various other stolen documents and items, along with suspected methamphetamine. Both stolen Porsche vehicles were recovered, and detectives were able to return many stolen items to their rightful owners, most notably a deeply sentimental piece of jewelry to the Cupertino couple. Sheriff Robert Jonsen commended the detectives for their determination and teamwork, which not only brought justice but also restored peace of mind to the victims. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to process evidence and seek additional victims.
For more details, you can refer to the original article from the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office.
