BCSO: Suspect was head of huge burglary ring

SAN ANTONIO – A suspect arrested in connection with two local burglaries involving model homes is also believed to be one of the ring leaders of a widespread operation.
Julian Ontiveros, 40, faces a long list of charges, including burglary and engaging in organized criminal activity.
The charges stem from two break-ins at model homes on Sundrop Bay in south Bexar County. However, Det. Anthony Gonzales of the Bexar County Sheriff's Office believes the break-ins were much more widespread.
"We've had at least 50 (burglaries) in unincorporated Bexar County alone," Gonzales said. "They've hit new homes, model homes, model home offices."
As in the cases linked to Ontiveros so far, the burglars stole furniture and appliances, he said. An arrest affidavit stated that Ontiveros was paying people between $50 and $100 to help him with the burglaries.
Although detectives became aware of the ring in November, Gonzales believes the break-ins began long before then. Gonzales said he also has become aware of similar burglaries as far away as Austin and Corpus Christi, as well as within the San Antonio city limits, Schertz and Cibolo.
The affidavit stated that detectives identified Ontiveros as a suspect after witnesses reported seeing a silver Ford F-250 at the scene of several break-ins.
Once investigators obtained the license plate number, they were able to track down some people who pointed the finger at Ontiveros.
Gonzales said in most of the cases, including the ones that are linked to Ontiveros, the vehicle used as the getaway car was stolen.
Gonzales said he expects to make more arrests soon in connection with the case.