Burglary detectives pursued leads developed through informants. Those leads directed them to Mr. Russo and his motel room on Monday March 18th. Detectives contacted Mr. Russo in his motel room and conducted a probation search. Mr. Russo was found in possession of hundreds of stolen items taken in several burglaries through the city of Santa Cruz and Monterey bay area. Included in those items was the computer server depicted in the above photos, as well as other laptop computers, woman’s clothing / shoes, vinyl LP albums, computer hard drives, cell phones, bicycle, and sports trading cards.
Mr. Russo admitted taking the items and frequently selling stolen items at the flea market. Mr. Russo has an extensive criminal history for burglary and drug related charges dating back to 1992. Most crimes occurred in Monterey County, with a few in the Walnut Creek and Concord areas.
Detectives are continuing to sort through the property seized and identify additional burglary victims. They are also working with detectives from neighboring cities and counties to identify victims and open cases. Mr. Russo was booked into Santa Cruz County Jail on Burglary, Possession of Stolen Property, and Narcotics violations.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Santa Cruz Police Department Investigations unit at (831) 420-5820. Tipsters may also leave an anonymous tip via our mobile apps, or the tip line listed below.
