Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Two Santa Paula residents were arrested after being linked to a burglary that occurred to a Thomas Fire victim’s property.

The victims were residents of the unincorporated area of Santa Paula. Unfortunately, their home was completely lost during the Thomas Fire in December of 2017, however, a detached garage remained standing. The victims used the garage to store personal property. Because of the loss of their home, the family was forced to move to a different location in the area. Throughout 2018, the victims returned to the location to check on the property.

During the month of October 2018, the victims arrived at the property and noticed the garage had been broken into. The lock to a door was cut and several valuables were taken.

Detectives received information that the stolen goods were sold at a business in the city of Ventura. Acting on this tip, investigators were able to identify Joshua Draper and Elise Main as the suspects.

Detectives obtained a search warrant for Draper and Main’s residence. Investigators from the Sheriff’s Gang Unit and the Fillmore Detective Bureau served the warrant. The search of their property revealed additional evidence connecting the two to the burglary. As the investigation unfolded, detectives discovered that the suspects also had a storage locker in the city of Santa Paula. A search warrant was obtained for this location as well. The storage facility contained more stolen property from the Thomas Fire victims. Investigators also located several valuable construction tools and other property that appeared to be stolen but have not yet connected the property to a victim. The investigation is ongoing.

Draper was booked for violating California Penal Code Sections 459 PC / Burglary, 496(a) / Possession of Stolen Property and for violating Health and Safety Code Sections 11550 (a) / Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance and 11364(a) / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Main was booked for California Penal Code Section 496(a) / Possession of Stolen property and Health and Safety Code Section 11550(a) / Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance. Both remain in custody with bail set at $300,000.

Prepared by: Sergeant Vince Alvarez
Approved by: Captain Eric Tennessen

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).