Calimesa Man Arrested on Suspicion of Burglary, Using Stolen Credit Cards

A Calimesa man was arrested Monday on suspicion of a burglary more than two weeks ago, and using stolen credit cards, a sheriff's sergeant in Cabazon said.

Deputies investigated a vehicle burglary on June 6 that took place in the 100 block of East Avenue L in Calimesa, Sgt. Sean Bahash of the sheriff's Cabazon Station said.

The victim's wallet was taken during the burglary, and his credit cards were used at several locations in the city of Calimesa, Bahash said.

Investigators from the Cabazon Station followed several leads and identified Phillip Matthew Gates, 38, of Calimesa, as a suspect, Bahash said. Surveillance video allegedly showed Gates using the stolen credit cards, Bahash said.

On Monday, investigators served a search warrant at Gates' residence, which is in the same residential neighborhood where the alleged burglary occurred, Bahash said.

Property stolen from the burglarized vehicle was recovered from Gates' residence and from Gates himself, Bahash said.

Gates was arrested and booked Monday afternoon at Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning, on felony charges related to burglary, fraudulent use of a credit card, and possession of stolen property, Bahash said.

No bail amount was listed in inmate records for Gates.

Anyone with further information about the alleged burglary was urged to call Investigator Brett Hensley at the Cabazon Station at (951) 922-7100) or Riverside County sheriff's dispatch at 1-800-950-2444, or send an email to CabazonStation@RiversideSheriff.org.