Background: Eisenhower Health medical center in Rancho Mirage, Calif. (Google Maps). Insets (left to right): Jason Brauner in his mug shot and hospital surveillance video (Riverside County Sheriff’s Office).
A California man has been accused of stealing thousands of dollars’ worth of surgical equipment and skin grafts from multiple hospitals.
According to an Aug. 7 press release by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, 47-year-old Jason Brauner was arrested for allegedly stealing blue hospital scrubs to “avoid detection” as he made off with “$100,000 worth of surgical equipment and skin grafts” in June and July. The police stated that they first became aware of the alleged burglaries involving Brauner on July 9, after authorities were called regarding stolen medical equipment from a hospital on Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage, California.
Upon investigating the theft report from July 9, police identified Brauner as their suspect and connected him to three additional incidents at other nearby hospitals. Police reported that Brauner would don blue scrubs and a surgical mask to “gain access to restricted areas of the facility, posing as hospital staff.”
On Aug. 6, authorities located Brauner’s vehicle as it traveled south toward San Diego. Deputies from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office pulled Brauner over, and he cooperated without incident. During his detention, a search of his vehicle allegedly revealed the “stolen medical equipment and stolen hospital apparel.”
A search of Brauner’s home in San Jacinto led to the discovery of $10,000 and $25,000 worth of more stolen medical supplies, police said.
Police believe that Brauner may be connected to other similar theft cases targeting hospitals in California.
Following his arrest, Brauner was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center on charges that include four counts of grand theft, three counts of burglary, and one count of possessing stolen property. He was released after posting a $100,000 bond on Aug. 9 and is due in court on Friday.
