Burglars Who Were Caught Hiding In Bedroom Closet Of SF Home Convicted: DA

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — A man and woman who were caught mid-heist and hid from police in the bedroom closet of a San Francisco home's basement were found guilty of burglary, prosecutors said.

A jury found Marivic Aliga, 46, and Ervin Nicolas, 41, guilty of second-degree burglary of an unoccupied house, the San Francisco District Attorney's Office announced on Thursday. Nicolas was previously found guilty of first-degree burglary in 2013, prosecutors said.

The charges stem from a burglary on Oct. 13, 2025. Prosecutors say the pair pried open a garage at a home in the 700 block of Lawton Street and began carrying items out and into a Prius parked in the front of the driveway.

Neighbors called 911, telling police they believed someone was burglarizing the home, prosecutors said.

Officers responded to the scene and noticed the front door of the home was closed. They searched the home and found Aliga and Nicolas hiding in a bedroom closet in the basement, prosecutors said.

The officers called the owners and made sure nobody was supposed to be at their home or taking any items away, prosecutors said. Officers also found a crowbar inside the pair's Prius, prosecutors said.

On Thursday, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins commended neighbors for reporting the burglary instead of turning a "blind eye."

"As a result of their concern and the prompt action by the San Francisco Police Mr. Nicolas and Ms. Aliga are now being held accountable for their crimes," Jenkins said.

The pair is currently out of custody but is due back in court on Oct. 23 for sentencing, prosecutors said. It's unclear how much prison time they could face.