A Van Nuys man believed tied to a burglary crew that targeted a Thousand Oaks home in August was arrested earlier this month and has since been charged with three felonies.
The 37-year-old pleaded not guilty to residential burglary, conspiracy to commit residential burglary and grand theft of a firearm in Ventura County Superior Court Oct. 20, according to the Ventura County District Attorney's Office. He also denied special allegations that, if found true, could lengthen his sentence.
Investigators with the Ventura County Sheriff's Office said the man was captured in home video knocking on the door of a home on San Antonio Avenue in the Newbury Park neighborhood of Thousand Oaks Aug. 24, according to an agency news release.
The man left when no
one answered the door. About 15 minutes later, several unidentified people were seen on video leaving the home and getting into a black SUV, sheriff's officials said.
Detectives later learned the theives entered the home through a kitchen window in the back of the house. They took jewelry, cash and a Ruger pistol, authorities said.
Through the home surveillance video and automated license plate readers, sheriff's detectives said they identified two vehicles, including the black SUV, believed involved in the burglarly that ultimately led to the man, according to the sheriff's news release.
On Oct. 16, investigators spotted the man at his Van Nuys apartment and followed him to North Hollywood where he was arrested. They searched his vehicle and found clothing they said matches clothing in the home video, sheriff's officials said.
Investigators later searched the man's Van Nuys apartment and found the Ruger pistol but the serial numbers had been "obliterated," sheriff's officials said.
The DA's office described the man as a member of a "sophisticated transnational organized crime crew."
He was released on his own recognizance Oct. 22, according to jail records. The man is expected to return to court Oct. 29, the DA's office said.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Thousand Oaks home burglary investigation leads to arrest, charges
