Photo: Stock Image
The Moorpark Investigations Bureau recently concluded a comprehensive two-week investigation regarding the theft of landscape equipment from landscape workers within the city of Moorpark. The modus operandi of each theft involved patiently observing the movement of landscape workers as they transitioned to the backyards of the residences they were servicing. Exploiting this situation, the suspects took advantage of the opportunity to pilfer landscape equipment from vehicles parked on the streets. As a result, there have been at least eight distinct victims of theft linked to these two individuals.
On June 20th, a victim who had previously experienced theft recognized a vehicle driving in a suspicious manner past his landscaping work in progress and promptly called 911 to summon law enforcement to the scene.
A Traffic Sergeant on nearby patrol soon thereafter identified the suspect's vehicle traveling in the vicinity. Promptly initiating a traffic stop, the Traffic Sergeant made contact with Los Angeles residents 26-year-old John Gutierrez and 28-year-old Adrian Cardenas. According to VCSD spokesman Det. Sgt. Juan Ponce, incriminating “evidence pertaining to the thefts” was discovered within the confines of the suspect vehicle, and both Gutierrez and Cardenas were taken into custody without incident.
Both Gutierrez and Cardenas remain in custody on multiple charges including conspiracy to commit a crime, grand theft, possession of burglary tools, possession of a controlled substance, and a parole hold. Each suspect is currently detained at the Ventura County Main Jail, with bail set at $250,000.00.
