Three arrested in thefts from home construction sites, Stanislaus sheriff reports

Three people have been arrested in connection with property thefts at KB Homes construction sites in Hughson over the past 10 months, according to the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office reported Tuesday.

There were 11 reports of theft, totaling $15,490 worth of items, including water heaters, air-conditioning units, construction materials and appliances.

Detectives from the Rural Crimes Unit identified Kekoa Octubre, a Modesto resident, as a suspect. Following a search of his residence, Octubre was arrested on suspicion of burglarizing two unoccupied homes at the Hughson site and one home in a Patterson development, the Sheriff’s Office said.

On May 18 at 11:23 p.m., detectives came across a burglary in progress at the KB Homes construction site. The Sheriff’s Office Air Unit observed two people, later identified as Adrian Ramirez-Baez and Isaias Machuca, loading items including cabinets and construction materials from unoccupied homes.

Both suspects were arrested and charged with burglary, conspiracy and receiving stolen property.

The Sheriff’s Office said the Octubre case is unrelated to the Baez and Machuca case and it is unknown if the individuals are connected to thefts at other construction sites.

An investigation is being done and anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Rural Crimes Unit at 209-525-7114.