DNA Leads To Accused Panty-Raider's Arrest: OCDA

ORANGE, CA — Rapid DNA testing led to the quick arrest of a man suspected of breaking into the home of Orange County college students, rifling through their panties and watching porn while they were away, the Orange County District Attorney's office announced Monday.

Semen left on at least one female victim's laptop computer was submitted for forensic analysis in the Rapid DNA program, according to OCDA spokesperson, Michelle Van Der Linden. Jonathon Jose Ruiz, 19, a resident of Orange, was arrested for the early October burglary on Thursday, according to police. Ruiz's DNA was a match to the DNA found by investigators inside the home, according to Van Der Linden. Authorities had his DNA in a database as part of his sentence for a misdemeanor vandalism case in 2017, she said.

Ruiz was charged with breaking and entering the four female students' home through a window, ransacking the bedrooms, scattering undergarments around the house, and consuming milk and cookies in the girls' kitchen, according to Van Der Linden.

Ruiz also allegedly used one student's laptop to browse pornographic websites and download personal images from the computer he defiled.

Rapid DNA made a match to Ruiz within 48-hours, according to the OCDA's office.

"The Rapid DNA program merges the power of the OCDA DNA Database with cutting-edge DNA technology to provide investigators with leads, including suspect names, within hours of a crime," Van Der Linden explained.

At the time of his arrest, police allegedly found Ruiz in possession of "personal property from the victims, including two pairs of underwear."

Booking Photo, Orange Police Department.