A 26-year-old man, Juan Montes, is facing a multi-count felony charge after allegedly targeting restaurants in North Hollywood for burglaries. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, led by Nathan J. Hochman, has charged Montes with a 36-count indictment that includes 33 counts of second-degree commercial burglary, one count of attempted burglary, and two counts of felony vandalism. This news comes after a string of break-ins that left several local businesses reeling.
According to the District Attorney's office, the accused conducted his month-long crime spree by cycling to various food establishments during the night, ripping through their sense of security, and in some instances causing significant property damage. Montes, if convicted on all charges, could be sentenced to more than 26 years in state prison. He has entered a not guilty plea, and, his bail has been set at a staggering $1,825,000 following his arraignment.
Montes's string of burglaries ran from October 12 through November 15, shaking the community of North Hollywood. "These repeated break-ins inflict substantial harm on businesses and the communities that depend on them," said Hochman. Whether the businesses were independent eateries or part of a larger chain, the crimes have created an undeniable tension amongst workers and residents in the area.
The arrest was made on November 15, when authorities located Montes on a bicycle shortly after four alleged break-ins occurred. This development is part of a larger narrative of rising concerns over commercial burglaries in the region. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for December 8, where more details of the state's case against Montes will come to light. The proceedings will take place in the Van Nuys Courthouse, and the Los Angeles Police Department’s North Hollywood Division is conducting an ongoing investigation.
The case against Montes is being prosecuted by the Van Nuys Branch of the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.
