Deputies with the Kern County Sheriff’s Office have taken a man into custody following a year-long investigation into half a dozen burglaries in the Kern River Valley.

The full release can be seen below:

Throughout the month of February 2021, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office received multiple reports of burglaries in the Kern River Valley area. The burglaries targeted the Lake Isabella Bank of America, Kernville Antiques and Gifts, The Sportsman Bar, Kernville Bank of America, South Lake Sierra Gateway Market, and Mountain River Adventures. These burglaries occurred after hours, when the businesses were closed. The suspects used a gas-powered saw to cut into ATMs, a safe, and used a truck to smash into one of the businesses.

Deputies from the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Kern Valley Substation investigated these burglaries. Each of the burglaries had a similar suspect description and similar modus operandi. Thousands of dollars in damages and losses were reported including cash and jewelry.

After an almost year-long investigation, deputies were able to identify James Peale (age 32) of Lake Isabella as the suspect in these burglaries. On February 11, 2022, Peale was arrested for six counts of second degree burglary. Peale was also on post-release community supervision for burglary and firearm possession.

Anyone with further information is asked to contact KCSO at (661) 861-3110 or Secret Witness at (661) 322-4040.