Three Men Charged in Southern California Bank Jugging Case

News Summary

Three Texas men have been charged with conspiracy and burglary related to ‘bank jugging’ incidents in Southern California. They allegedly followed banking customers and broke into their cars after withdrawals. Law enforcement recognizes the growing trend and warns banking customers to remain vigilant. The suspects, who pleaded not guilty, face multiple charges as their preliminary hearing is set for mid-July.

Santa Ana, California – Three men from Texas have been charged with conspiracy and burglary in connection with a series of vehicle break-ins known as “bank jugging” in Southern California. Maurice James, 24, Samuel Marcus Polite, 20, and Javion Marcell Matthews, 22, all pleaded not guilty and are set to appear for a pretrial hearing on July 18 at the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach.

The allegations stem from activities identified as part of a nationwide trend characterized by suspects surveilling bank customers who withdraw cash and subsequently stealing from their vehicles at later stops. Police reported that the trio rented a 2025 Ford Expedition from Hertz on July 2, traveling from Texas to Southern California to execute their plan. Prior to committing their alleged crimes, they changed the vehicle’s license plate.

Investigators have linked the suspects to multiple attempted car break-ins, with evidence showing they scoped out five shopping plazas located in Cypress, Buena Park, Los Alamitos, and Seal Beach, specifically targeting businesses with banking facilities. The suspects allegedly followed a victim who had just made a withdrawal from a Wells Fargo branch in Seal Beach and later broke into his Honda Accord to steal a bank bag.

After the robbery in Seal Beach, the trio moved on to a Chase Bank branch in Cerritos, looking for additional targets. Upon gathering video footage, officers from Irvine Police recognized the rented Ford Expedition from a series of vehicle break-ins that had occurred in the area. The vehicle had been identified as having a stolen license plate.

Concerned officers proceeded to monitor the suspects, which proved timely after they were linked to a vehicle burglary that took place shortly after their crime in Seal Beach. On the same day, the Irvine Police Department observed the Ford Expedition again and executed a stop, leading to a search that uncovered a stolen banker’s bag, various burglary tools, cash, a fake license plate, and a ski mask concealed within the vehicle.

The suspects were arrested shortly after officers discovered the items, and additional charges against them include vehicle burglary, felony vandalism, possession of burglary tools, and possession of stolen property. The investigation highlights an increasing issue with bank jugging, a method criminal networks have adopted in various regions across the nation.

Law enforcement officials are stressing the importance of caution among banking customers when withdrawing cash. They advise individuals to remain discreet and to be aware of their surroundings to help prevent becoming victims of such crimes. The ongoing scrutiny on banking safety serves as a warning to the public as criminal strategies continue to evolve.

This case not only underscores the challenges law enforcement faces in their efforts to combat these crimes but also reflects a growing concern over public safety when it comes to cash transactions. As the July pretrial hearing approaches, further details may emerge regarding the alleged crimes and the individuals involved.

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Additional Resources

• Patch: Trio Charged in OC Bank Jugging and Vehicle Burglaries
• News Santa Ana: Three Bank Jugging Suspects From Texas Arrested
• KTLA: Another Rare Doomsday Fish Discovered Off Southern California Coast
• Los Angeles Times: Police Warn About Surge of Bank Jugging Robberies
• Google Search: Bank Jugging