They Preyed on Their Neighbors

In an early-morning warrant sweep on January 28, about 60 detectives and county sheriff’s deputies assisted in arresting eight suspects in connection with a series of burglaries that have occurred in Santee, Lakeside, and unincorporated El Cajon since last summer.

San Diego County Sheriff’s Sgt. Tom Poulin (who provided the information for this report) said more than $50,000 worth of property was stolen during the crime spree that began six months ago and targeted jewelry and video-game systems. Much of the jewelry was taken to pawn shops and gold-buying kiosks in East County malls.

All eight suspects and an additional three juveniles (who were taken into custody last month) lived in the neighborhood where the burglaries occurred. They preyed on their neighbors and other acquaintances.

Nicholas Curl, 21; Kelli Cannon, 19; Cole Ensign, 18; Brian Shay, 18; Steven Shay, 21; Taylor Tidmore, 18, and two juveniles face charges of conspiracy, burglary, possession of stolen property, possession of controlled substances for sale and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The investigation is ongoing and additional leads are being pursued.