Authorities have charged seven individuals with felonies related to a series of orchestrated residential burglaries stretching across Los Angeles County. These incidents encompass at least 20 break-ins attributed to groups active in the San Fernando Valley, prosecutors revealed on Tuesday.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman described the accused as orchestrating “bold, calculated, and predatory” acts that have left residents feeling vulnerable within their own homes.

Addressing the public at a news briefing, Hochman remarked, “These organized burglary groups are targeting hardworking families in what should be their safest haven—their homes. If you invade our communities to instill fear and prey on the innocent, rest assured that law enforcement will pursue you, and justice will be served.”

Officials noted that these cases underscore a rising challenge involving sophisticated burglary rings, including organized South American theft groups, that are active throughout Southern California. These groups employ advanced strategies to elude capture, specifically targeting upscale neighborhoods.

BURGLARY RINGS TARGETING HIGH-END HOMES IN TRANQUIL SUBURBS FOR QUICK SMASH-AND-GRAB LOOTS

Surveillance footage released by investigators allegedly shows a suspect connected to organized residential burglaries in Los Angeles County. (LA County DA’s Office)

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna warned residents that many crews conduct extensive surveillance before burglaries, often monitoring victims’ social media posts for expensive purchases or vacation photos that indicate homes may be empty.

“Please, whatever you do, don’t tell the world you’re in Paris when you live in LA,” Luna said.

Investigators said some crews disguise themselves as delivery drivers using fake DoorDash, Uber Eats or Amazon bags to approach homes without raising suspicion. Others use hidden cameras disguised as landscaping decorations and Wi-Fi jamming devices designed to disable home security systems and cloud-connected surveillance cameras.

BURGLARS CAUGHT SPYING ON HOMES WITH HIDDEN CAMOUFLAGED CAMERAS BEFORE STRIKING NEIGHBORHOODS

Investigators recovered luxury items, jewelry and handbags allegedly tied to organized burglary crews operating in Southern California. (LA County DA’s Office)

One of the largest cases involves Byron Gonzálo Sáez Sotomayor, also known as Kevin Diaz, who prosecutors say is charged with 15 counts of first-degree residential burglary, three counts of attempted first-degree residential burglary and one count of grand theft of a firearm.

Authorities allege Sáez Sotomayor burglarized or attempted to burglarize 18 homes throughout the San Fernando Valley and West Los Angeles between January 2025 and May 2026, including homes in Reseda, Van Nuys, Encino, Granada Hills, Sun Valley, Beverlywood and Westwood. Prosecutors said he allegedly stole jewelry, handbags, money and a firearm.

Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said Sáez Sotomayor was arrested May 4 after allegedly breaking into a home in the Beverlywood area while a resident was inside the house.

BRAD PITT’S LA HOME BURGLARY LEADS TO 4 ARRESTS IN ONGOING POLICE INVESTIGATION

Damage is seen inside a Los Angeles County home following an alleged break-in connected to a residential burglary crew investigation. (LA County DA’s Office)

According to McDonnell, the homeowner saw the suspect on surveillance cameras after hearing a loud crash at the rear of the property and locked himself inside a bathroom before calling 911.

Three other suspects — Christopher Sanchez, Owen Rivera-Chacon and Edisson Fabian Boyaca — were each charged with one felony count of first-degree residential burglary stemming from an alleged May 1 burglary in Santa Clarita.

Authorities said investigators with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office tracked the suspected crew into Los Angeles County before coordinating with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department on a takedown operation along a freeway.

MASKED BURGLARY CREWS TERRORIZING RITZY NEIGHBORHOODS SHOW ‘THEY’RE DOING THEIR HOMEWORK,’ VETERAN COP WARNS

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman and regional law enforcement officials announce charges against seven suspects accused in a string of residential burglaries across Southern California. (LA County DA’s Office)

Deputies arrested Sanchez after stopping a vehicle on the freeway, while Rivera-Chacon allegedly fled on foot before being found in a nearby dry streambed. Boyaca was later arrested driving another vehicle roughly one mile away, authorities said.

Investigators recovered jewelry, cash, a luxury handbag, gloves, burglary tools and a Wi-Fi jammer from the suspects’ vehicles, according to law enforcement officials.

Rivera-Chacon also faces allegations tied to a prior strike conviction for residential burglary and could face up to 17 years in prison if convicted. Sanchez and Boyaca each face up to six years behind bars.

HIDDEN CAMERAS LURKING IN YOUR GARDEN MIGHT BE WATCHING YOUR EVERY MOVE, OFFICIALS SAY

Jewelry allegedly stolen during a series of residential burglaries across Los Angeles County is displayed by investigators. (LA County DA’s Office)

The final case announced Tuesday involves Wilmar Santiago Castelblanco-Robles, Alan Rolando Rodriguez-Pulido and Cristian Rios-Cuadros, who are each charged with one felony count of first-degree residential burglary tied to an alleged April 26 break-in at a home in Burbank.

Authorities said neighbors saw suspects breaking into the home and called police. Investigators allege Rios-Cuadros and Castelblanco-Robles fled on foot before officers used a police helicopter equipped with a heat-detection device to locate them hiding nearby.

Rodriguez-Pulido was later arrested while allegedly driving the suspected getaway vehicle, where officers recovered wallets, high-end handbags, watches and jewelry believed to have been stolen from other victims.

Luna said residential burglaries reported to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department have dropped more than 30% since 2022, though he acknowledged crime statistics provide little comfort to victims whose homes were invaded.

“A victim that has had their sanctuary broken into — I don’t care what statistics say,” Luna said. “They broke into my house and I don’t feel safe sleeping there. That’s why we’re all up here. That’s why we will continue to work our butts off to make sure that we catch these individuals.”

On Tuesday evening, a notable quote from John Adams, the second U.S. president, was illuminated on the Department of Justice building. This followed the Trump administration’s recent unveiling of a so-called “anti-weaponization fund.”

The phrase “A government of laws, not of men” was projected over a banner featuring President Trump, which is displayed on the building’s facade.

The projection was organized by Justice Connection, a group advocating for the preservation of the Justice Department’s “integrity” and the “rule of law,” according to its founder Stacey Young, as reported by NBC.

Young criticized the establishment of a $1.776 billion compensation fund intended for individuals claiming grievances against the government.

She described the fund as an “extraordinary abuse of power,” warning that it signals the deterioration of the rule of law. Young referred to the fund as a “slush fund.”

Justice Connection as well as some lawmakers have raised concerns with the fund. 

“Trump is trying to commandeer nearly $1.8 billion in taxpayer funds to bankroll a slush fund for January 6 cop-beaters and aggrieved MAGA foot soldiers,” Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin (Md.) said in a statement. 

“This massive abuse of public money also has glaring constitutional defects: Only Congress has the power to appropriate federal dollars, and we didn’t appropriate a cent for the J6 millionaire trust fund,” he added, after introducing a bill to block payments from the fund. 

However, Trump and Vice President Vance defended the creation of the fund for claims against the government. 

“We’re trying to compensate people where the book was thrown at them, they were mistreated by the legal system,” Vance told reporters at a Tuesday White House press briefing. 

The creation of the fund comes after the Justice Department and Trump came to an agreement to dismiss a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS. 

In exchange, the agency will be “forever barred” from auditing Trump’s old tax returns.

Trump and his oldest sons, who were also plaintiffs in the IRS suit, will not receive a payout from the fund but will be given a formal apology.

An elderly man is being celebrated as a local hero after bravely intervening in an attempted kidnapping by a man pretending to be a utility worker outside his residence in Oregon.

This courageous 85-year-old, whose name remains undisclosed, sprang into action from his mobile home in a Medford community upon hearing a woman’s cries for help earlier this month.

According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, he encountered 42-year-old Matthew Hokulii Aranda, who was armed with a taser and trying to abduct a 25-year-old caregiver.

On the morning of May 8, the senior citizen confronted the attacker, providing crucial moments for the distressed woman to escape, even as he was allegedly tased by Aranda.

The authorities reported that Aranda pursued her with a large hunting knife, but she managed to reach her car just in time, eluding further danger.

He then dove onto the hood of her car as the caretaker was turning on the ignition. She was able to shake him off as she sped away — breaking his leg in the process, according to body camera footage released by the sheriff’s office.

Cops found a battered Aranda cowering in a nearby bush. He moaned about his broken leg as they pulled him out of his hiding spot, before cuffing and hauling him off, body cam footage showed.

Dressed in a plain white t-shirt and khakis, Aranda had allegedly posed as a utility worker — and loitered for several hours while waiting for the victim.

The condition of the elderly hero and the victim are not immediately clear.

Aranda was indicted on May 14 on a laundry list of charges, including stalking, attempted kidnapping, assault and unlawful use of a weapon.

He was convicted in 2016 of charges stemming from his relationship with a 16-year-old girl he sexually exploited and stalked.

Several other charges, including one for first-degree rape, were dropped as part of a plea deal, the Rogue Valley Times reported.

Aranda was sentenced to just over six years in prison for that crime.

Donald Trump has directed Senate Republicans to dismiss the parliamentarian, Elizabeth McDonough, due to her disapproval of a $1 billion funding bill for ICE and his ballroom.

In a detailed post on Truth Social this Wednesday, Trump criticized McDonough, accusing her of favoritism towards Democrats after she determined that the funding for his ballroom could not be part of a reconciliation bill.

“Over the years, she has been harsh towards Republicans but not the ‘Dumocrats.’ So why hasn’t she been replaced? There are numerous qualified individuals who could fairly fill that crucial role,” Trump expressed.

He further alleged that McDonough operated under the influence of the late Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, whom he described as a “vicious lunatic.”

Trump added, “Republicans play a very gentle game compared to the ‘Dumocrats,’” employing his new moniker for the opposing party.

‘It is their single biggest disadvantage in politics. The Dumocrats cheat, lie, and steal, especially when it comes to Votes in Elections, but stick together, whereas the Republicans allow the Elizabeth MacDonoughs of the World to stay in power, and brutalize us,’ he added.

He promised that there would never be another Republican president again if they didn’t pass his favored Save America Act, adding that the Democrats would grant DC and Puerto Rico statehood.

‘The Republicans aren’t doing it because they say the Dumocrats will never do it, but the Republicans are WRONG. Get smart and tough Republicans, or you’ll all be looking for a job much sooner than you thought possible!’

Donald Trump has ordered Senate Republicans to fire the parliamentarian, Elizabeth McDonough, over her objections to his $1billion ICE and Border Patrol bill

Trump unleashed his demand in a lengthy Truth Social post Wednesday, accusing McDonough (pictured) of bias in favor of Democrats after she ruled funding for Trump’s ballroom could not be included in a reconciliation bill

The parliamentarian is more often than not an afterthought, typically because their role is to be the Senate’s hall monitor, essentially making sure mundane processes on the floor are adhered to.

However, the parliamentarian is thrust into the spotlight every time senators try to pass a bill through budget reconciliation, a process that allows the Senate to pass items with a simple majority instead of the usual 60 votes needed to overcome the filibuster.

The appeal of the reconciliation process is obvious. Since Republicans control 53 seats in the Senate, a united GOP can essentially pass the bill without input from a single Democratic senator.

The catch is, MacDonough can pick and choose which line items in the bill need to be slashed with red ink. She will be responsible for interpreting whether the bill complies with something called the Byrd Rule, which has been around since 1985.

The Byrd Rule is named after the late Sen. Robert Byrd, who was a key figure in instituting the guardrails around reconciliation packages like the one Trump is trying to ram through.

The most important facet of the Byrd Rule states that reconciliation bills cannot have provisions in them that don’t have an effect on the budget.

Put simply, if a provision doesn’t meaningfully increase or decrease federal spending, it can be considered extraneous and be tossed out of the bill.

The Byrd Rule also prohibits reconciliation bills from overhauling Social Security or increasing the deficit for a fiscal year not included in the bill’s purview. 

Senate Majority Leader John Thune called the comments ‘concerning’ and unnecessary, since many of the issues in the bill have the votes to pass

The test to see whether a bill complies with the rule has been referred to as the ‘Byrd Bath.’

MacDonough last used the ‘Byrd Bath’ to water down President Joe Biden’s Build Back Better package in 2022.

Specifically, she struck down three separate attempts by the Democrats to provide a pathway to citizenship for eight million immigrants living in the United States illegally.

Now, she’s in the position to take a major bite out of Trump’s agenda, though its not entirely clear what she might take aim at. 

Pressured by the White House, Republicans have tried to add the money to a roughly $70 billion bill to restore funding to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol. 

But the security proposal has met with backlash from some GOP lawmakers who are questioning the cost and the lack of detail from the White House and U.S. Secret Service about how the taxpayer dollars would be used.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune called the comments ‘concerning’ and unnecessary, since many of the issues in the bill have the votes to pass. 

‘That’s, I guess, his opinion. But that would create even more vote issues here if we were to try and do something like that. So we’ll make sure that everybody has got security around here,’ he told Politico. 

Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, watches during the certification of Electoral College ballots in the 2020 presidential election

MacDonough last used the ‘Byrd Bath’ to water down President Joe Biden’s Build Back Better package in 2022

Left in the bill is the money for ICE and Border Patrol, which Democrats have blocked for months in protest of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement crackdown.

Democrats demanded reforms for the agencies, but negotiations with the White House yielded little progress. 

So Republicans are using the complicated budget maneuver called reconciliation — the same process that allowed them to pass Trump’s tax and spending cuts bill last year — to fund the agencies through the end of Trump’s term with a simple majority and no Democratic votes.

Still, passage requires signoff from the parliamentarian, and unity from Republicans.

‘We’re working on it,’ Thune said as he left the Capitol on Wednesday evening. 

There is precedent for the Senate simply ignoring the parliamentarian. 

The declarations of MacDonough and all the other parliamentarians before her have been non-binding and lacking in actual enforcement power.

Going back a bit further, there is also precedent of Senate leaders getting rid of the parliamentarian over disagreements on the Byrd Rule.

On May 7, 2001, then-Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, R-Miss., fired the parliamentarian at the time, Robert Dove, because he was getting in the way of President George W Bush’s budget bill.

Exactly one month later, with a new parliamentarian in place, Bush was able to sign his first landmark tax cut into law.