SANTA MARIA Two people were arrested in connection with a residential burglary from an elderly victim that occurred late last year, police said.
On Dec. 28, 2019, the Santa Maria Police Department received a report that a safe with a large amount of money was stolen from a residence. Police identified 21-year-old Julio Cesar Bautista and 21-year-old Jazmin Martinez, both of Santa Maria, as suspects in the incident. Search warrants were served at two residences on Feb.14 and Mr. Bautista was arrested on suspicion of residential burglary, grand theft, conspiracy and financial elder abuse. His bail was set at $1 million, according to authorities.
Detectives learned that Ms. Martinez fled to Mesa, AZ. An arrest warrant was used for Ms. Martinez and police detectives worked with the Mesa, AZ office of the FBI, the U.S. Marshall’s Office and Mesa-area police. Ms. Martinez was taken into custody Feb. 27. A search warrant was also served at a residence where Ms. Martinez had been staying. She will be extradited to Santa Barbara County and will face the same charges as Mr. Bautista.
During the investigative search warrants, numerous items believed to have been purchased with the stolen money were recovered. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the burglary or stolen money is asked to contact police Detective Jesse Garcia at 805-928-3781 ext. 1115.
