A California man has been arrested after allegedly stealing more than $100,000 worth of skin grafts and surgical supplies from multiple hospitals while dressed in stolen medical scrubs. Authorities say the suspect disguised himself as a staff member to slip into restricted areas and carry out the thefts.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as 47-year-old Jason Brauner of San Jacinto. In a press release issued on August 7, police stated that Brauner stole hospital scrubs and masks, which he then used to “avoid detection” during a series of burglaries in June and July.
The first incident was reported on July 9, when a hospital on Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage contacted authorities about missing medical equipment. Following an investigation, detectives identified Brauner as the suspect and connected him to three other thefts at hospitals across the region.
Police said that during each incident, Brauner dressed in blue scrubs and a surgical mask, allowing him to blend in with medical staff. Disguised in this way, he allegedly gained access to secure areas of the hospitals and stole both surgical tools and high-value skin grafts.
On August 6, officers tracked Brauner’s vehicle as it traveled south toward San Diego. Deputies from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop, during which Brauner was detained without incident. A search of his vehicle reportedly uncovered stolen medical equipment and hospital apparel.
Authorities later executed a search warrant at Brauner’s home in San Jacinto. Inside, they found between $10,000 and $25,000 worth of additional stolen medical supplies, along with $10,000 in cash. Police now believe Brauner may be linked to other theft cases involving hospitals in Southern California.
Brauner was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center on charges including four counts of grand theft, three counts of burglary, and one count of possession of stolen property. He was released on August 9 after posting a $100,000 bond. His first court appearance is scheduled for Friday.
Officials noted that the theft of skin grafts and surgical supplies is particularly concerning, given their critical role in medical procedures. Stolen grafts and equipment may not only result in financial losses for hospitals but could also jeopardize patient care.
The case has raised questions about hospital security and how easily individuals may impersonate staff. Police say that investigations are ongoing and that they are working with additional hospitals to determine whether Brauner is responsible for similar thefts elsewhere.
While authorities continue to track the scope of the operation, Brauner faces the possibility of significant prison time if convicted. His arrest marks the latest in a series of unusual theft cases in California, where high-value medical items have increasingly become a target for criminals.
