The Bexar County Sheriff's Office has cuffed a contractor accused of committing multiple high-end burglaries, recovering over a trove of more than 1,000 stolen jewelry pieces, KENS5 reports.
37-year-old Julian Puente was arrested following the execution of three search warrants on August 11, uncovering a cache of watches, necklaces, earrings, and other valuables – with some watches valued between $500,000 and $1,000,000. According to Sheriff Javier Salazar, the charges against Puente, currently pegged for theft between $30,000 and $150,000, are likely to escalate pending further valuation of the recovered items, as per a statement obtained by KSAT.
The initial arrest took place at a residence on Stargazer Pass, with further searches at a separate home and a large storage unit revealing additional stolen goods. The investigators believe there is at least a second suspect, also a contractor, who worked in concert with Puente to identify potential targets in affluent neighborhoods, including a notorious burglary in Terrell Hills on March 17.
"Know who's in your home," Salazar cautioned, underscoring the possibility that the suspects may have used their contractor roles to case properties, as reported by KENS5. The reminder to vet anyone hired for work in residences comes amidst concerns that the operation could involve more individuals, or that the burglary network extends beyond county lines.
Authorities are urging anyone who suspects they may have fallen victim to contact the Bexar County Sheriff's Office. For potential leads or reports, individuals are invited to email [email protected] with 'burglaries' in the subject line or call the sheriff’s office at 210-335-6000, mentioning "residential burglaries."
