By Redacción
redaccion@latinocc.com
A Ventura County jury has convicted Matthew Rey Scott, 40, of two felony counts of first-degree residential burglary and one misdemeanor count of resisting, obstructing, or delaying a peace officer, District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced.
The jury also found true special allegations that Scott committed a violent felony by entering an occupied home. With two prior residential burglary convictions in 2007 and 2015, Scott now faces a possible life sentence under California’s Three Strikes law. He was on parole for an attempted first-degree residential burglary conviction from 2020 when he committed the latest offenses.
Back-to-Back Burglaries in Simi Valley
The latest crimes occurred on Dec. 12, 2024, in Simi Valley. According to prosecutors, Scott entered a home around 7:15 p.m. A female resident was on the phone when she saw a shadow in the hallway leading to her bedroom.
Startled, she confronted Scott, asking, “What are you doing here?” The person on the other end of her call quickly dialed 911. Scott fled without taking anything, and the woman later testified that she believed he had followed her inside through an open garage door.
Only two blocks away, Scott entered another residence—this time, the attached garage of a home where a young family was present. Home surveillance footage captured Scott moving through the garage and backyard before fleeing the scene.
Arrest and Criminal History
Simi Valley police launched a search and located Scott approximately three streets away. He was still wearing a state parole ankle monitor at the time of his arrest.
Prosecutors detailed Scott’s extensive criminal record, emphasizing that he has repeatedly targeted residential properties.
“This verdict is a direct result of the bravery of witnesses who stepped forward—not only in this case but in three prior incidents dating back to 2007,” said Senior Deputy District Attorney Craig Gardner, who prosecuted the case. “Their courage played a crucial role in securing justice and ensuring the safety of our community.”
Three Strikes Law and Potential Life Sentence
California’s Three Strikes sentencing law imposes harsher penalties on repeat offenders. Because Scott has two previous serious felony convictions, his latest convictions could result in a life sentence.
A court trial to address remaining special allegations is scheduled for March 27, 2025, at 9 a.m. in courtroom 47 of the Ventura County Superior Court.
