Man Burglarized Homes He Worked On, Sheriff Says

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — A local man was arrested on suspicion of two burglary charges after the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office said he burglarized homes he was hired to work at. Erik De Santiago, 27, performed outdoor and indoor work at the homes, the sheriff's office said.

In the first case De Santiago performed outdoor work, entered the home through a back window after residents left, and stole things, the sheriff's office said. In the second case a construction company hired him to help remodel a bathroom and kitchen, and De Santiago returned two days later to steal jewelry, the sheriff's office said.

The sheriff's office said it would like anyone else experienced a theft after hiring De Santiago for work to call Detective Jacob Pruger at 831-454-7096.