RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. — A 47-year-old Southern California man is behind bars after allegedly stealing more than $100,000 worth of surgical equipment and skin grafts from three different hospitals. The alleged scheme spanned multiple cities before investigators used modern technology to track down the suspect.
The suspect, Jason Brauner, didn’t break windows or pick locks. Instead, he allegedly walked into the hospitals wearing blue scrubs and a surgical mask to access restricted areas without raising suspicion, reports NBC Los Angeles.
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The theft spree took place over two months, with incidents reported at hospitals in Rancho Mirage, Loma Linda, and Newport Beach in June and July.
Month-Long Hospital Theft Investigation
The case began on July 9 when Eisenhower Health in Rancho Mirage reported stolen equipment and first identified Brauner as a suspect. From there, detectives launched an investigation involving modern law enforcement techniques.
Investigators turned to cellphone tower data to trace the suspect’s movements, which led them to Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach on August 6, reports Gizmodo. Security cameras at the facility reportedly captured footage of someone taking hospital equipment, providing crucial visual evidence.
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The final piece of the puzzle came from license plate readers, which identified Brauner’s vehicle in Del Mar. This technology allowed authorities to pinpoint his location and move in for the arrest.
The Arrest and What They Found
San Diego County officers stopped Brauner’s vehicle in Del Mar on August 6, bringing his alleged crime spree to an end. The arrest yielded immediate evidence: officers discovered stolen hospital equipment and clothing inside his car.
A subsequent search of Brauner’s San Jacinto residence uncovered an additional $10,000 to $25,000 worth of medical supplies, suggesting the scope of the alleged thefts may have been even larger than initially believed.
He faces several charges, including grand theft, commercial burglary, and possession of stolen property, reports CBS News.
Why Did Brauner Steal Skin Grafts?
While investigators have built a strong case against Brauner, significant questions remain. Most puzzling is what the suspect intended to do with the stolen skin grafts. Authorities note there is no legitimate market for such specialized medical materials, leaving his motives unclear.
The investigation continues as authorities believe additional victims may exist.
