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Twins Arrested In Craigslist Stolen Goods Bust

Juan, Julio Villanueva Accused Of Selling Stolen Appliances, Sports Memorabilia

POSTED: 7:47 am PST November 29, 2011
UPDATED: 7:53 pm PST November 29, 2011

Twin brothers are behind bars Tuesday on suspicion of stealing more than $100,000 in property, including sports memorabilia and high-end appliances they tried selling on Craigslist, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department reported.

More than $34,000 worth of the appliances recovered were stolen between Nov. 17 and 19 from two residences in the 1600 block of Wilt Road in Fallbrook, both listed for sale, according to sheriff's Sgt. Joe Montion. The reported loss included Viking and Thermador ovens, trash compactors, microwaves and dishwashers, he said.

A suspect who identified himself as Samuel Diaz listed items identical to the ones stolen from the first reported burglary for sale on Craigslist, asking $8,500. A sheriff's deputy responded to the ad via email and arranged a meeting, Montion said.

"They wanted to get rid of it quickly so they can move on," a sheriff's deputy named "Tom" told 10News.

Tom and another detective, posing as a husband and wife, responded to the Craigslist ad and met with the man and another suspect Wednesday at a home in the 10200 block of Via Pastoral in Moreno Valley, according to authorities.

The detectives identified 36 stolen appliances in the suspect's garage and the two men were arrested, Montion said.

"The garage was entirely full of high-end appliances," said Tom.

Authorities said specific markings matched 10 appliances to those stolen from the homes.

Detectives recovered a computer from the home that showed internet searches for homes for sale featuring "high-end stainless appliances" in North County and areas of Riverside County, Montion said.

The suspect posing as Diaz was identified by detectives as Julio Villanueva, 37, and the second suspect as his twin brother, Juan Villanueva, Montion said. Both suspects were booked into the Vista Detention Facility on suspicion of theft and conspiracy to sell stolen property, Montion said.

10News learned the brothers claimed to have a background in appliance installation.

"They were definitely not amateurs. They knew what they wanted," said Tom. "We believe there are many more victims."

Bail for Juan Villanueva was set at $210,000. Julio Villanueva, who is also being held on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine, had his bail set at $215,000, Montion said.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department asked anyone, especially real estate listing agents, with similar reported unsolved burglaries and losses to call (760) 451-3100 to schedule a viewing of the stolen property and photos of sports memorabilia, including an autographed Emmitt Smith jersey and an autographed Dan Marino football.
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