Photo: Welbar Quintanilla and Yessica Barajas, and unidentified third suspect still at large
SARATOGA — A homeowner negotiated a moving fee with three unknown suspects recently. Then, the trio robbed them of their items after demanding more money for the move. They ended up stealing a computer containing bitcoin valued at $10,000.
A “family acquaintance” helped set up the suspects for the move. They had “an agreed upon rate.”
Apparently after a few hours, the workers became weary. They began to complain and started to demand more money from the homeowner.
However, the homeowner did not grant their request for more money for the job.
After being denied more money, the three suspects then forcibly took the homeowners T.V. and Apple I Mac computer valued at $3000. But that was not all. The personal computer stored approximately $10,000 dollars’ worth of bitcoin using a digital wallet.
“The public should take the necessary steps to safeguard their virtual property, because it is vulnerable like physical property,” said Sheriff Laurie Smith.
Police arrested two of these suspects but a third suspect remains unidentified and on the loose.
18-year-old Yessica Barajas, of San Jose, faces robbery and conspiracy charges. 24-year-old Welbar Quintanilla has a Parole Hold/Violation. However, despite searching the suspect’s residence, property stolen from the homeowner was not located.
Investigators ask anyone with any information about this incident to call the Sheriff’s Office at 408-808-4431.c
