Three men were taken into custody last week in San Marino, suspected of planning to swipe gardening equipment, according to KCAL News. The San Marino Police Department reported that the trio was inside a vehicle without license plates that caught the attention of patrolling officers on the 2300 block of Roanoke Road. Cesar Jimenez, 34, identified as the driver, was already under the gaze of the law, on probation, and subject to post-release community supervision for burglary, with an extra warrant to his name from another jurisdiction.
Upon further investigation, the officers discovered Jimenez had a history of similar thefts. Jesus Rodriguez, 30, seated in the front, was known to the authorities as well, positioned on parole for prior serious offenses. The San Marino Police made note in their statement that Rodriguez was recognized for past incidents involving the theft of such equipment, a revelation informed by the department's history with him and his recognition by detectives for wanted cases in other areas, KTLA reports.
The third suspect, Jose Jimenez-Aguilar, 34, was also detained despite not having any outstanding warrants or people supervising his activities post-incarceration. Even with no identification, an officer could place him as a participant in previous thefts related to horticultural endeavors. During a search consented by the detainees, law enforcement found a collection of items—a box of gloves, face masks, finger covers, bolt cutters, a drone, and a neck gaiter—all potentially implicating tools for theft as per the San Marino Police's inventory list, informed by the discovery of two nearby gardening trucks.
Given the circumstantial evidence, it was believed by the attending officers that the men had not come there simply to lounge in a car sans plates, but to possibly intervene in the ownership of gardening equipment, "Based on the information discovered, it is believed the three suspects conspired to commit grand theft of gardening equipment," as stated by Pasadena Now. Each suspect now faces charges of conspiracy to commit grand theft and possession of burglary tools. While holds were placed on both Jimenez and Rodriguez, Jimenez-Aguilar was transported to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Inmate Reception Center.
