sheriff deputy burglarizes deceased man's house while still in uniform [View all]

[Demovictory9]

Authorities arrested an Orange County Sheriff’s deputy Thursday, Sept. 10, on suspicion of repeatedly breaking into and burglarizing a deceased Yorba Linda man’s estate.

Deputy Steve Hortz was booked on suspicion of thefts that took place after he was dispatched to a Yorba Linda residence on July 20, Orange County Sheriff’s officials said in a news release. The 12-year veteran of the department was summoned in response to the death of a Yorba Linda man in his 70’s by apparently natural causes.

Hortz broke into the man’s unoccupied home while still in uniform on July 27, Sheriff’s officials said. He was suspected of returning August 10 and August 16 to steal weapon safes, clothing, ceiling fans and other items.

“The suspected criminal actions of this deputy are a violation of public trust, are inexcusable and intolerable,” Orange County sheriff Don Barnes said in a statement. “This deputy will be held accountable through a swift and thorough process, including a full criminal and internal administrative investigation.”


An attorney representing the victim’s estate contacted the Sheriff’s Department to report the missing items, and provided surveillance footage the break-ins on Wednesday, officials said. Hortz was arrested the following day and placed on paid administrative leave, Sheriff’s spokeswoman Carrie Braun said.

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https://www.ocregister.com/2020/09/10/oc-sheriffs-deputy-suspected-of-burglarizing-yorba-linda-mans-estate/