By Redaccion
redaccion@latinocc.com
A Chilean national was sentenced Monday to 14 years in state prison for a string of 10 residential burglaries across Ventura County, authorities said.
Ivan Andre Chamorro Santibanez, 23, who also used the alias Evan Francisco, pleaded guilty March 7 to 10 felony counts of first-degree residential burglary and one felony count of conspiracy to commit burglary. He also admitted to several aggravating factors, including a prior strike for burglary and the calculated nature of the crimes.
The sentencing was announced by Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko.
“This sentence reflects the serious impact residential burglaries have on victims and our community,” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Paul Nuñez. “The defendant carefully planned and executed these crimes, violating the sanctity and safety of people’s homes.”
Between Nov. 9, 2023, and Feb. 7, 2024, Chamorro Santibanez burglarized homes in Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, and Simi Valley. According to investigators, he specifically targeted upscale neighborhoods adjacent to open spaces, using methods consistent with those employed by transnational organized crime groups.
Entry was typically forced through rear windows, sliding glass doors, or French doors, and homes were often ransacked. Authorities said items such as cash, watches, and jewelry were stolen. In one burglary, a safe containing more than $100,000 in cash was taken. No residents were home during the incidents.
On Feb. 8, 2024, Ventura County Sheriff’s Detective Bryan Glasscock spotted Chamorro Santibanez climbing a hillside in a residential neighborhood in Moorpark. While attempting to flee in a vehicle, he was taken into custody.
Inside the car, deputies found tools commonly associated with burglaries, including gloves and a tool bag containing sharpened metal files. Further investigation linked him to the 10 reported burglaries.
A search of his cellphone uncovered photographs showing Chamorro Santibanez posing with large amounts of cash and wearing stolen jewelry. Some victims were able to identify their belongings through the photos.
At the time of the Ventura County crimes, Chamorro Santibanez was on probation for a 2021 residential burglary conviction in Los Angeles County.
Authorities emphasized that the case is part of a broader trend involving international theft rings operating throughout California and other parts of the United States.
