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Crime / Uncategorized

Man Arrested over Jewelry Heist in Moraga


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From the Moraga Police Department:

On Thursday July 11th at approximately 3:10 p.m., a citizen reported a suspicious individual walking slowly in the area on Larch Avenue near Wandel Drive. Moraga officers responded and contacted Hector Mauricio Salazar, a 21-year-old San Pablo resident. Salazar stated he had been painting at a nearby residence. A consensual search of his person and property revealed that Salazar was in possession of jewelry that was found inside his lunch box. Salazar’s explanation for his possession of the jewelry was inconsistent and he was detained for investigation.

Subsequent investigation resulted in officers contacting the homeowner that had employed Salazar to paint at her home. Officers showed the homeowner, an elderly female, the jewelry that Salazar had in his possession, and she identified the jewelry as her property. The homeowner said the jewelry had been stolen from her master bedroom while she was away from the residence. Based on probable cause, Officers placed Salazar under arrest for possession of stolen property, and burglary.

On Monday July 15th, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office issued a criminal complaint against Salazar alleging felony violations of grand theft, possession of stolen property, and financial elder abuse.

Salazar was convicted of robbery in Alameda County on December 14, 2012 and is currently in custody in Contra Costa County.