While investigating a rash of burglaries targeting cars, homes and businesses across San Mateo County, deputies were led to a fencing operation San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood, according to the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, which announced the arrest of eight individuals suspected of being involved.
The investigation “Operation Shattered Glass” aimed to dismantle the organization suspected of buying and selling electronics, laptops, cameras and commercial retail merchandise that had been stolen in San Mateo County burglaries.
During the early morning hours of Thursday, Jan. 23, multiple law enforcement agencies in San Mateo County and San Francisco, including the Redwood City, Daly City, South San Francisco and San Francisco police departments, executed eight search warrants and multiple arrest warrants at five San Mateo County residences, two in San Francisco, and one storage unit in San Francisco.
“While searching the residences, over $2 million in personal stolen property was located including electronics, laptops, camera equipment, and commercial retail merchandise,” the sheriff’s office said. “A total of eight suspects were arrested and booked into San Mateo County Jail. Over $150,000 in cash was seized during the operation as well as three vehicles at a residence totaling over $1.2 million.”
The sheriff’s office will be looking to return the property to their rightful owners in the next two weeks.
The arrested suspects include: Juarez Nino Vicente-Silvestre, 30, Daly City; Rudy Alexander Riverafolgar, 18, Pacifica; Yamel Cristina Vallejo Lopez, 28, Daly City; Armando Ortez, 40, Daly City; Kevin Orlando Hernandez Sanchez, 26, Daly City; Jose Maldonado Soto, 30, Daly City; Zhipeng Chen, 36, San Francisco; and Alex RiveraPeraza, 42, Daly City.
Anyone who may have information about these individuals, property,or crimes is encouraged to contact the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Crime Suppression Unit at SMCOCSU@smcgov.org. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the anonymous tip-line at 1-800-547-2700.
Photo credit: Sheriff’s van by Rafael Lima; booking photo by SMC Sheriff’s Office
