A 40-year-old man in Ventura County is facing the possibility of life in prison for residential burglary, committed while wearing a parole ankle monitor, officials announced.
Matthew Rey Scott was convicted of first-degree residential burglaries in 2007 and 2015 and was on parole when he was captured for two additional burglaries late last year, according to a news release from the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.
In Dec. 2024, Scott entered a Simi Valley home where a female resident, who happened to be on the phone at the time, spotted the 40-year-old standing in the hallway leading to her bedroom.
Scott fled the home without taking any property after the woman confronted him, asking what he was doing there while the person she was on the phone with called police.
“The victim testified that she believed Scott had followed her into her home, through the open garage door,” prosecutors said.
Just two blocks away, the 40-year-old entered a second residence through the garage where a young family was home.
Home surveillance cameras captured him entering the garage and the backyard area.
“Simi Valley police officers searched the area and eventually found Scott approximately three streets away,” the release detailed. “He was wearing a state parole ankle monitor.”
On March 26, a jury found the previously convicted felon guilty of two felony counts of first-degree residential burglary, resisting arrest and evading peace officers. The jury also found true that Scott committed a violent felony by entering homes where residents were present.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to the witnesses who came forward to testify—not only in this case, but also in the three prior incidents dating back to 2007,” Senior Deputy DA Craig Gardner, who tried the case, said. “Their courage and willingness to participate were vital to securing justice and promoting the safety of our community.”
Scott’s third felony conviction means he could face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
It is unknown when his sentencing hearing will be scheduled.
