Theft Suspect Arrested - Valley Center
December 21, 2025 – Valley Center, CA – San Diego County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on December 18, 2025, Valley Center Deputies conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle belonging to Elijah Saiz related to an ongoing "porch pirate" theft investigation.
During the traffic stop, Elijah Saiz and his wife, Desiree Seau, were arrested for felony theft offenses and conspiracy to commit a crime. Additionally, a residence where Saiz and Seau live, located in the 27000 Block of Autumn Drive in Valley Center, was identified.
Deputies believed evidence of the crime they were currently investigating, and possibly additional stolen property would likely be located at Saiz and Seau's residence. After confirming Saiz was currently on probation in San Diego County, with support from Valley Center Patrol Units, Ramona Patrol Units, and Officers from the San Pasqual Police Department, the Valley Center Crime Suppression Team coordinated a probation search for evidence related to the current investigation and other stolen or illegally possessed items.
During the search, deputies recovered evidence directly related to the theft case, including the stolen property and clothing worn by the suspect during the commission of the crime. Several dozen pieces of suspected stolen mail and packages belonging to victims in Valley Center, San Marcos, and the city of San Diego were also located. Additional seized items included an illegally possessed, fully loaded double-barreled sawed-off shotgun, suspected stolen body armor, narcotics, and narcotic paraphernalia.
As a result, additional felony weapons and theft-related charges were added for both Sainz and Seau. This remains an active investigation by the Valley Center Area Investigations Unit and the Crime Suppression Team.
The Valley Center Sheriff’s Station urges community members to report stolen packages, thefts from vehicles, or thefts from their property. With the holiday season underway, package thefts and related crimes often increase. Residents are encouraged to lock their vehicles and retrieve delivered packages promptly.
Source & photo: San Diego County Sheriff’s Office
