Matthew Rey Scott, a repeat offender with a history of burglary, has been sentenced to nearly two decades in prison for his crimes in Simi Valley. According to the Ventura County District Attorney's office, Scott received 19 years and 8 months after a jury found him guilty of two counts of first-degree residential burglary and resisting a peace officer.
Assigned as a transient, Scott was on parole for a previous attempted burglary when he committed the new offenses on December 12, 2024. A shadow in the hallway of her home was noticed by a female resident, which led to a 911 call that triggered a quick response from police. Found by the police close to the scene, Scott was identified by his state parole ankle monitor that he was wearing. Senior Deputy District Attorney Craig Gardner, who prosecuted the case, stated, "Nineteen years and eight months is a substantial sentence and demonstrates that residential burglary is taken seriously in this community," as cited in the district attorney's press release.
The December incidents included Scott entering a house through an open garage door, as reported by the victim, and later breaking into another garage where a young family was present. His actions were caught on home surveillance footage, which likely contributed to the jury's verdict. Enhancements to Scott's sentence were attributed to his prior strike conviction.
"It is hoped that this sentence will serve as a deterrent to others and make clear that such conduct will not be tolerated," Gardner was quoted as saying in the press release.
