String Of Home Burglaries Reported In South OC; 3 Arrested

MISSION VIEJO, CA — Three people were arrested for their suspected involvement in a string of robberies across South Orange County, in which over $400,000 was stolen, authorities said Tuesday.

According to the Orange County Sheriff's Department, On Sept. 20, a surveillance camera captured a white Kia Optima and a male suspect thought to be involved in a residential burglary in Dana Point, in which $58,000 in jewelry was stolen.

After more investigation, authorities found that the car — along with the male suspect — were connected to two other home burglaries in the City of Mission Viejo.

During those robberies, the male suspect and two other suspects forced their way into the homes and stole more than $360,000, the OCSD said in a statement.

On Oct. 4, the OCSD's South Investigative Unit and Directed Enforcement Team arrested Jackmaico Morenomape, 39; Jose Ballenrodriguez, 41; and Maria Pineedamador, 49. Investigators recovered more than $360,000 during the arrest, according to the statement.

Residents with information were about the robberies were asked to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 714-647-7000. Anonymous information may be provided through Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.