HOLLISTER
A recent string of burglaries in the City of Hollister and in San Benito County has led to the arrest of an 18-year-old Hollister man, along with several items that are suspected of being stolen, according to a press release from the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities said that the burglaries started sometime around December or January and have continued until now.
The investigation began when deputies responded to a residential burglary on March 5 on Kane Drive. The victim reported a firearm, jewelry and baseball cards were stolen. The next day, deputies found a safe from the Kane Drive residence near Spring Grove Road and Benito Road.
The suspect, Juan Jose Ceja, 18, became a person of interest after a business reported to deputies that three subjects were trying to sell what was believed to be stolen property on March 6. The owner gave a description to deputies of the three and with that description, authorities identified a potential suspect.
Later that day, deputies responded to a pawn shop in Gilroy where a photo line-up was used to identify one of the suspects, according to the sheriff’s office.
Ceja was arrested by sheriff’s deputies who were conducting surveillance on his residence. After he left the residence, he was brought in for questioning. While being interviewed, Ceja granted investigators permission to search his residence.
Several items were found at the residence, including jewelry, sports cards, coins and a dagger that was reported missing from houses in the city and county. Authorities estimate the total cost of the items is between $10,000 and $15,000. Lt. Roy Iler said that some of the missing items were from four confirmed thefts or burglaries – three within the city and one in the county. Ceja said that the items were not stolen and he found them.
The investigation has also revealed two other involved parties. Leonel Acosta, 18, and a minor were unidentified. The two suspects were in custody in Santa Clara County on charges of robbery at a Bank of America in Morgan Hill.
If you have been a victim of a theft or burglary or have information regarding this subject, call the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office Investigation Bureau at 636-4080 for possible identification of property.
