Walnut Creek Church Burglary: Suspect Arrested & Stolen Items Recovered at His Home
– by Jim Emerson
WALNUT CREEK,CA — Police arrested a man suspected of stealing audio-visual electronics equipment
and ceremonial items from a church in Walnut Creek.
Jason Burnett, 42, was arrested when his Martinez residence was searched on April 1.
The burglary occurred at St. Mathew’s Church during the overnight hours, between March 29 and
March 30. Items with an estimated value of $6,500 were stolen from administrative offices and the
church sanctuary.
Detectives reviewed surveillance camera videos from the neighborhood to identify the getaway car,
belonging to Burnett. It led them straight to his doorstep.
Detectives recovered most of the items reported stolen from the church when Burnett was
apprehended. Investigators are working to determine if Burnett is involved in other recent burglaries
targeting religious organizations.
Burnett was booked at the Martinez Detention Facility on suspicion of burglary and possession of
stolen property. He has since posted $50,000 bond and he was released from custody late April 2. His
next scheduled court appearance for arraignment is May 12.
Burnett is a familiar face to law enforcement with prior convictions and arrests. Burnett was convicted
in August 2018 for grand theft. He several more recent arrests on his record involving narcotics and
misdemeanor thefts.
