Two brothers were recently arrested on suspicion of committing at least 19 home burglaries, many in the San Lorenzo Valley, from March through November.
Larry Smith, 19, and Brandon Smith, 18, both were arrested separately at their home in Santa Cruz this month after one was allegedly interrupted during a home burglary in Soquel.
According to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, most of the string of burglaries involved unlocked houses that didn’t have cars in the driveway. Some residents who had contacted the men had told sheriff’s deputies that the pair would knock on doors before entering. The belongings taken in the burglaries were typically jewelry; electronics, including laptops and iPads; musical equipment; cash; and miscellaneous items that police described as easy to sell.
“All of them were during the daytime, which is common,” Sgt. Jim Ross said.
Sheriff’s deputies said that the men have admitted to being addicted to heroin.
“They’ve been suspects for some time,” Ross said. “You have to establish probable cause before you make the arrest.”
On Nov. 13, a home security system in Watsonville caught an image of a man identified as Brandon Smith robbing the home. The photo was circulated among deputies.
Later that same day, a burglary in Soquel was interrupted by a resident who was inside the house. The burglar escaped after breaking a window and cutting his arm, but investigating deputies later identified him as Brandon Smith.
Deputies found him at his home in Santa Cruz Nov. 15 and arrested him. After further investigation, Larry Smith was arrested Nov. 22. Both brothers face a slew of burglary and drug-related charges.
John Johnston, 20, of Felton, was arrested at the house with Larry Smith on Nov. 22 on suspicion of burglary and of being under the influence of a controlled substance. Another man, Jay June, 25, of Freedom, was arrested on suspicion of drug charges at the same time.
Ross said almost all of the stolen items had been sold, but he thinks the arrests will help many people find closure after having their homes burglarized.
“It’s a huge relief for the victims in the valley,” he said.
According to court records, Larry Smith has pending drug and petty theft cases with upcoming court dates, as well as a pending traffic ticket. He now faces additional felony drug and burglary charges, as well as several misdemeanor charges.
Court records show that Brandon Smith is on probation for petty theft, burglary and receiving stolen property, all as a minor. Now an adult, he is expected to be arraigned on three felony burglary charges.
Johnston has been arrested on suspicion of possessing alcohol as a minor, domestic battery and destruction of property.
