During the past few months, there have been several burglaries reported throughout San Tan Valley. While investigating many of the burglary cases, victims described the same possible suspect vehicle and description of those committing the crimes. Victims reported having items such as credit cards, cameras, video games, computers, checkbooks, cell phones, prescription medications, jewelry and other items. Patrol deputies collected evidence from each of the scenes and talked with victims and neighbors to learn anything they could to help solve these crimes.

During the past few weeks, many of the credit cards which had been reported stolen were being used at various gas stations and stores throughout San Tan Valley. Detectives were able to follow up and obtain surveillance video of the two suspects who were using the cards. One of the videos even captured the suspect vehicles license plate.

On November 13th, 2012 Property Crime Detectives served a search warrant in the 4300 block of East Sandwick Drive, San Tan Valley. The home was lived in by Kimberly Padilla (age 28) and Joshua Romero (age 25). When detectives served the search warrant, both Padilla and Romero were inside of the home. A search of the home uncovered over $5,000 worth of stolen property from recent burglaries. One of the burglaries had in fact occurred that morning and deputies were still investigating it.

Padilla and Romero were both taken into custody. Padilla refused to speak with detectives when confronted about the crimes. Romero was asked how all of the stolen property got into the home and he said, “I don’t know maybe you put it there.” He then refused to answer any further questions.

Kimberly Padilla and Joshua Romero were each booked into the Pinal County Adult Detention Center for Burglary, Possession of Stolen Property, Theft, Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card and Possession of Prescription Medication.

Sheriff Paul Babeu stated, “Even the safest neighborhoods can be vulnerable to home break-ins. A residential burglary is a serious crime due to the financial and material losses to victims and because of the emotional toll it takes on victims knowing their residences have been gone through by unknown suspects. I am proud of the work completed by everybody on this case who helped to put Padilla and Romero behind bars where they belong. We have already began the process of returning the stolen property to the victims of these crimes.”

Kimberly Padilla	Joshua Romero