Sheriff’s detectives have arrested a Carpinteria resident in connection with a burglary at a cannabis cultivation site. The arrest followed an investigation that began on July 21, 2025, after deputies responded to a report of a break-in at a cannabis farm located in the 5800-block of Via Real. The burglary had occurred two days prior and involved the theft of grow lighting, a generator, about 30 pounds of cannabis, and a utility terrain vehicle (UTV).
Detectives reviewed surveillance footage from the scene and noted that the suspect was wearing bright orange wrestling shoes. Investigators shared images from the video with patrol deputies, who recognized the individual based on previous encounters and identified him as David Stephens, age 58, of Carpinteria.
On August 25, 2025, at approximately 8:30 a.m., detectives found and arrested Stephens in the 3900-block of State Street. At the time of his arrest, he was carrying burglary tools and was also found with a bicycle reported stolen from Isla Vista.
Stephens was booked into Santa Barbara County Main Jail on several charges including burglary, grand theft, vandalism, and possession of burglary tools. His bail has been set at $502,500.
According to authorities, most property stolen from the cannabis farm is believed to be destroyed; however, the UTV remains missing. The recovered bicycle has been returned to its owner.
