Burglar Posing As Realtor Targeted Open Houses In Marin County: Police

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Investigators believe a man arrested in Marin County last week is a serial burglar who recently posed as a realtor to steal valuables during two open houses in recent months.

The Marin County Sheriff's Office identified the suspect as Joshua Lamont, 50, of San Diego, and said he was linked to similar crimes throughout California.

In October, investigators allege Lamont visited an open house in Sleepy Hollow under a false name and claimed to be working with another realtor interested in buying the house. While on a self-guided tour of the property, authorities allege Lamont stole jewelry worth $15,000.

Three weeks later, Lamont is accused of visiting an open house in the Kent Woodlands area and using the same method to access the home. During that incident, investigators estimate Lamont stole jewelry and checks valued at $10,000.

Detectives tracked Lamont to a Walnut Creek hotel, where he was taken into custody Wednesday. According to the sheriff's office, detectives discovered several pawn shop receipts in the hotel room, along with other evidence from the second burglary.

Lamont was booked into jail on suspicion of multiple crimes, including the two Marin County burglaries, forgery, and several outstanding warrants out of San Diego and Santa Barbara counties. He remains jailed in lieu of $400,000 bail.