San Juan County burglary charges were filed after investigators alleged an unauthorized home entry in Aztec, New Mexico, according to a sworn probable cause affidavit. Court records identify Jerome Marez, 40, as the defendant in the San Juan County burglary case, which involves the reported theft of gaming equipment valued at more than $500.

The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office investigated the incident and submitted the case to San Juan County Magistrate Court for judicial review.

San Juan County burglary reported in Aztec

According to the affidavit, the alleged San Juan County burglary occurred at a residence near Road 2595 in Aztec during the early morning hours of December 9. The homeowner later reviewed home security footage and noticed property missing from inside the residence.

Deputies reported that the homeowner did not give permission for anyone to enter the home. The homeowner also told investigators that the suspect did not have a key to the residence.

Surveillance footage reviewed in San Juan County burglary case

Investigators stated that security footage showed a vehicle arriving at the Aztec residence shortly after 7 a.m. The video allegedly shows Jerome Marez entering the home through the front door.

A short time later, the footage reportedly shows Marez leaving the residence while carrying a large boxed item concealed inside a blanket. Deputies noted that the video timeline matched the homeowner’s account of events.

Property reported stolen during San Juan County burglary

Court records list several items reported stolen during the San Juan County burglary. These items include a PlayStation 5 Slim gaming console, two controllers, and a video game.

The affidavit states the combined market value of the items totaled approximately $638. Investigators also documented serial numbers and item descriptions as part of the case file.

The affidavit further notes that the gaming console was under a lease agreement. Because of that lease, the total financial impact associated with the reported theft exceeded $1,900.

Deputies contact suspect in San Juan County burglary investigation

According to the affidavit, deputies later identified Jerome Marez as the individual shown in the surveillance footage. Investigators contacted Marez by phone during the investigation.

The affidavit states that Marez acknowledged the incident and told deputies he would return the items. However, court records indicate the property had not been returned at the time the affidavit was filed.

Based on the evidence, investigators concluded the entry was unauthorized and that the property was taken with the intent to permanently deprive the homeowner.

Charges filed in San Juan County Magistrate Court

Prosecutors filed charges of residential burglary and larceny over $500 but not more than $2,500 in the San Juan County burglary case. Under New Mexico law, residential burglary involves entering a dwelling without authorization with intent to commit theft or another felony.

A judge reviewed the sworn affidavit and approved the issuance of an arrest warrant. The charges are allegations only, and Jerome Marez is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Case status

Court records show the San Juan County burglary case will proceed through the magistrate court process. Future hearings and filings may be scheduled as the case moves forward.

Readers can find additional San Juan County crime coverage through San Juan Pulse’s ongoing public-records reporting on criminal cases.

More information about magistrate court procedures is available through the New Mexico Courts website.

👉 Link “New Mexico Courts” to:
https://nmcourts.gov/

⚖️All charges described are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.