Steal & Store Burglar Caught with Over $200,000 Worth of Property

CHINO – A 36-year-old Chino man was arrested for the theft of over $200,000 worth of property stolen from at least ten different communities.

On Sunday, February 4, 2018, deputies from the Chino Hills station stopped a vehicle for vehicle code violations. Deputies made contact with Mark Ellis, who was found to have stolen property inside the vehicle. This led to a search warrant for six Montclair storage units. During the search, property stolen from Chino Hills, Chino, Anaheim, Newport Beach, Tracy, Walnut, Los Angeles, Fontana, Ontario and Las Vegas, Nevada were located and recovered.

Of the property located, detectives found property from vehicle, residential and commercial burglaries that have occurred since 2006. Based on the finding, authorities believe Ellis is a serial burglar who stored the majority of the property he stole over the years. “Detectives have worked tirelessly on returning stolen property to the proper victims,” Chino Hills Sheriff’s officials said.  “To date, they have been able to return over $63,000 worth of property to the following victims: Millenia MMA, Next Level Gym, The Pilates Circle, Y.I.C. Tae Kwon Do School, Montessori School, Self-Made Gym, Don Lugo High School, City of Chino Hills, Chino High School, and Ayala High School.”

In addition to the commercial burglaries, authorities have identified over 40 victims from over 50 vehicle burglaries. Firearms, electronic devices, cell phones, tablets, tools, and gym equipment were just some of the items stolen and stored by Ellis. Mark Ellis was arrested and booked at West Valley Detention Center and is currently being held without bail.

We are currently seeking additional victims. If you believe you were a victim of Mark Ellis, or would like to claim your property, please contact Detective J. Jackson at Chino Hills Police at (909)364-2000.

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