A man suspected of stealing high-value medical equipment from multiple hospitals has been arrested following a multi-agency investigation. According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, deputies from the Rancho Mirage Special Enforcement Team (SET) responded to a theft report at a hospital on Bob Hope Drive on July 9, 2025. The suspect, identified as Jason Brauner, 47, of San Jacinto, allegedly entered restricted areas while dressed as hospital staff and stole more than $100,000 worth of surgical equipment and skin grafts over three incidents in June and July.
Brauner reportedly wore blue scrubs and a surgical mask to blend in with employees and avoid detection. On August 6, San Diego County Sheriff’s Office deputies stopped Brauner’s vehicle in Del Mar and detained him without incident. A search of his vehicle uncovered stolen medical equipment and hospital apparel.
Later that day, law enforcement teams including Rancho Mirage SET, Palm Desert Robbery Burglary Suppression Team, and Palm Desert Business District Team served a search warrant at Brauner’s home in San Jacinto. They recovered additional stolen medical supplies valued between $10,000 and $25,000.
Brauner was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center on charges including grand theft, commercial burglary, and possession of stolen property.
Deputies discovered that hospitals in Loma Linda and Newport Beach had also experienced similar thefts. Investigators from those jurisdictions have identified Brauner as a suspect in those cases as well. Authorities are coordinating efforts to file additional charges related to those incidents.
“This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact Deputy Marco Castaneda at the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station at (760) 836–1600.”
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