(Thechieftainspear) – A Ventura County man with a history of burglary convictions is now facing the possibility of life in prison after being found guilty of breaking into two homes while on parole and wearing an ankle monitor, authorities announced.
Matthew Rey Scott, 40, had previously been convicted of first-degree residential burglary in both 2007 and 2015. Despite being on parole, he was arrested late last year in connection with two additional break-ins, according to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.
The latest incidents occurred in December 2024. In one case, Scott allegedly entered a Simi Valley home where a woman, who was on the phone at the time, noticed him standing in the hallway near her bedroom. Startled, she confronted him, prompting Scott to flee before stealing anything. The person on the other end of her call quickly alerted the authorities.
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Prosecutors believe Scott may have followed the woman into her home through an open garage door.
Minutes later, he entered another residence just two blocks away. This time, a young family was inside. Home security cameras captured him moving through the garage and backyard before he fled the scene.
Simi Valley police launched a search and located Scott a few streets away. He was still wearing his state-issued parole ankle monitor at the time of his arrest.
On March 26, a jury convicted Scott on two felony counts of first-degree residential burglary, as well as charges of resisting arrest and evading law enforcement. The jury also determined that his actions constituted violent felonies since he entered occupied homes.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Craig Gardner, who prosecuted the case, commended the witnesses who testified, including those from previous cases dating back to 2007.
“Their courage played a crucial role in ensuring justice and keeping our community safe,” Gardner said.
Due to his prior convictions, Scott now faces a potential life sentence. A date for his sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled.
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