Man arrested for installing hidden cameras
Raphael Russell
In October 2024, deputies at the Twin Peaks station received a report reference a burglary and invasion of privacy that occurred at a residence in the 600 block of Millburn Road in the community of Lake Arrowhead. Through investigation, deputies recovered evidence confirming Raphael Russell, 34 of Lake Arrowhead and Laguna Beach, entered the victim’s residence without consent and installed hidden cameras.
On Tuesday, Oct. 15, investigators served a search warrant at Russell’s primary residence in Laguna Beach. During the search warrant service, Russell was contacted and arrested. He was booked into the West Valley Detention Center for P.C. 459 (burglary) and P.C. 647(J)(3) (invasion of privacy).
Investigators believe there may be additional victims and are releasing Russell’s photograph. Anyone with information related to this investigation (Case No. 052401521), or anyone who may have been victimized by Russell, is encouraged to contact Deputy Ian Buchowiecki or Deputy Omar Romero-Rios of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department at (909) 336-0600. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call the We-Tip hotline at (800) 78-CRIME (27463) or leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.
Operation Smash & Grab:
26 arrests made, over $16,000 in property recovered
Between the weeks of Sept. 26 and Oct. 11, investigators from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department – Gangs/Narcotics Division, Rancho Cucamonga Station, San Bernardino County Probatin Department, Homeland Security Investigations, California Highway Patrol and the San Bernardino Police Department conducted a retail theft operation throughout San Bernardino County.
During the operation, investigators made six felony arrests and 20 misdemeanor arrests. Stolen property totaling $16,130.26 was recovered.
In November 2023, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department became concerned with the rise in thefts at retail stores, which often involved organized crews that conspire to commit robberies, burglaries, shelf sweeps and vandalisms. These violent criminals terrorize the citizens of San Bernardino County by utilizing intimidation tactics and a mob mentality that creates an unsafe and uncomfortable shopping environment for our residents.
Operation Smash & Grab focuses its efforts on the Rancho Cucamonga, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Victorville and Chino Hills shopping districts to disrupt and dismantle these retail store theft crews. Investigators utilize conventional and non-conventional investigative methods to accomplish this task and lessen the blight created by these bad actors.
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors authorized funds to assist with county-wide crime suppression. The intent is to provide additional funding to the sheriff’s department, allowing for increased law enforcement services related to quality of life issues affecting the communities in our county.
Editor’s note: As the sheriff’s department is no longer providing their log of calls, the Alpine Mountaineer is compiling Nixle press releases for our readers.
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